An internationally renowned conservationist will visit the University of Newcastle this week to discuss the extinction danger posed to Africa's largest cat - the lion.

Hosted by the University's Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, Dr Luke Hunter from the Panthera Foundation in New York will provide a free public lecture concerning the jeopardy of Africa's largest carnivore.

Director of the Institute, Professor John Rodger, said Dr Hunter will discuss the state of the world's 36 species of big cats, and what is being done to protect them.

"Lions and other big cats are disappearing. As soon as they leave protected areas, they are persecuted relentlessly by pastoralists, herders and ranchers."

This public lecture will provide the Newcastle community with an insight into a situation which requires urgent conservation attention.

Dr Hunter's lecture is part of National Science Week (16 - 24 August 2008).

'The Lion in Peril: Saving the African Lion Across its Range' will be held at 2pm on Friday 22 August 2008 in the ICT Building, Room ICT 3-28, Newcastle campus (Callaghan). Please register with Belinda Marks.