Asiatic Lions Latest News
Asiatic lions are gradually expanding their range beyond Gir forests, often crossing state borders and venturing into coastal areas like Diu Island.
About Asiatic Lions
- The Asiatic lion, also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion, belongs to the subspecies Panthera leo persica.
- It is found exclusively in India, specifically in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
- Once widespread across West Asia and the Middle East, the Asiatic lion has now become extinct in these regions, with India being the last refuge of this species.
- Current distribution: The latest lion census (2020) by the Gujarat Forest Department records 674 lions spread across 30,000 sq km in nine districts and 53 talukas of Saurashtra.
- Due to sustained conservation, the IUCN moved the Asiatic lion from “Endangered” (2008) to Vulnerable (2025) on its Red List.
Asiatic vs African Lions
|
Feature |
Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) |
African Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) |
|
Size |
Slightly smaller |
Generally larger |
|
Mane |
Shorter, less developed |
Fuller, denser mane |
|
Social Behaviour |
Males stay with pride |
Males leave pride unless mating or kill |
|
Habitat |
Dry deciduous forest (India only) |
Savannas, shrublands, deserts |
|
Distribution |
Exclusive to Gir, Gujarat |
Widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa |
|
IUCN Status |
Vulnerable |
Vulnerable |
|
CITES Listing |
Appendix I |
Appendix II |
|
Protection in India |
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I |
– |
|
Major Threats |
Inbreeding, diseases, habitat loss, human conflict |
Hunting, habitat loss, conflict |
About Gir and Girnar
- Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1965 over 1,412 sq km, with an additional buffer zone of 470 sq km, totalling 1,882 sq km of protected habitat.
- Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 2008, is located in the Junagadh district and covers the Girnar hills of the Saurashtra region.
- It comprises dry deciduous forests, with species like teak, dhak, and acacia, and supports a diverse fauna, including Asiatic lions, leopards, Chinkara, Chousingha, and over 300 species of birds.
- The Girnar Sanctuary functions as an extension habitat for lions beyond Gir National Park.
Asiatic Lions FAQs
Q1. Where are Asiatic lions found in India?
Ans. Exclusively in Gujarat’s Gir National Park, with their population rising from 523 (2015) to 674 (2020).
Q2. How do they differ from African lions?
Ans. Asiatic lions have smaller manes, a longitudinal belly fold, and live in prides of 2-3 females vs. Africa’s 4-6.
Q3. What are the major conservation challenges?
Ans. Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and genetic bottlenecks due to a single population.
Q4. What is Project Lion?
Ans. A 2020 initiative to create a second habitat in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno-Palpur and bolster disease management.
Source: DTE
Last updated on November, 2025
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