  The process $e^{+}e^{-}\rightarrow\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ is studied using data
samples at $\sqrt{s}=2.2324$, 2.400, 2.800 and 3.080 GeV collected with the
BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section is
measured at $\sqrt{s}$=2.2324 GeV, which is 1.0 MeV above the
$\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ mass threshold, to be $305\pm45^{+66}_{-36}$ pb, where
the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The substantial
cross section near threshold is significantly larger than that expected from
theory, which predicts the cross section to vanish at threshold. The Born cross
sections at $\sqrt{s}$=2.400, 2.800 and 3.080 GeV are measured and found to be
consistent with previous experimental results, but with improved precision.
Finally, the corresponding effective electromagnetic form factors of $\Lambda$
are deduced.
