PAWS cares deeply about all wild animals, and we believe that it is critical to stand up and protect these animals whenever and wherever possible. Here is one important way you can help free-living African lions who are in serious danger of extinction.

Following a petition by a coalition of animal protection and conservation organizations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a preliminary finding that an endangered species listing may be warranted for the African lion. The agency has initiated a status review, during which it is considering public comment. You can submit your comments through the end of the day on Monday, January 28, 2013.

The situation is dire for African lions. Their population has decreased by nearly 50 percent over the last 30 years due to various threats, including habitat loss, disease, lack of protection, and overutilization for commercial and recreational purposes. At the same time, the number of lion trophy imports has grown, with the United States as the largest importer of lions and lion parts. With fewer than 35,000 African lions living in the wild today, action must be taken now to save this iconic animal.

The Fish and Wildlife Service will be accepting comments in two forms: electronic and regular mail. The cut-off is 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, January, 28, 2013. Please take action today to protect and conserve African lions. It's simple - just follow the directions below:

How to comment electronically

Click here to go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal. In the Search field, enter Docket No. FWS-R9-ES-2012-0025, which is the docket number for this action. Then click on the Search button. You may submit a comment by clicking on "Comment Now!" If your comments will fit in the provided comment box, please use this feature, as it is most compatible with the comment review procedures. If you attach your comments as a separate document, the preferred file format is Microsoft Word.

How to comment via regular mail

Send your comments to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R9-ES-2012-0025, Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

Sample comment - Please edit and personalize your comment as much as possible!

As a supporter of the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and an ardent supporter of protection for wildlife, I strongly urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the African lion as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act.

I was shocked to learn that our country is the largest importer of lions and lion parts, despite the fact that African lion numbers have seriously plummeted over the last three decades. It is critical that we, as a nation, take responsibility by eliminating our part in the threat to this majestic species by prohibiting the import of lions and lion parts. If we don't act now, African lions will soon disappear from the planet.

By listing the African lion as "endangered," the U.S. will set a standard for other countries to follow, promote conservation, and provide greater protection for these iconic animals.

Thank you for initiating this critical review, which is key to the future survival of African lions.