Between 6 000 and 8 000 lions are being held in cages or confined areas, unrelated to conservation. That number will continue to increase with the rise of predator hunt fee.

The documentary film ‘Blood Lions’ has further placed the spotlight on human practices that threaten the predator species.

Released last week at the Durban Film Festival, the film explores South Africa’s canned hunting and captive breeding industries.

CapeTalk presenter Kieno Kammies spoke with Nick Chevallier, Field Director and Cameraman of ‘Blood Lions’, about the various human practices threatening lions.

Theses lions are born into captivity. The land owners inter-breed them and they are realising that it is an increasingly lucrative trade. Its starts with the exploitation of the cubs. That’s were the cash cow begins. Other revenue streams include walking with lions, and hunting.

— Nick Chevallier, Field Director and Cameraman of ‘Blood Lions’

According to Chevallier, the documentary highlights and challenges the vague South African legislation, which allows practice of “canned lion hunting”.

He says lions have become a multi-million rand industry largely governed by private property holders.