Asiatic Lion - Where is the Asiatic Lion Found?

Asiatic Lion is a species of lion which is only found in India. Belonging to the subspecies of Panthera leo persica, this lion was previously also found in parts of West Asia and the Middle East. The population of this lion has been steadily decreasing over the last few decades. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of the Asiatic Lion is Endangered.

The Panthera leo persica species is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). We have shared more details about the Asiatic Lion and its conservation status here.

About Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion is an endangered subspecies of Panthera leo persica. These lions are relatively smaller than African lions. While male adult lions typically weigh between 160 and 190 kg, the weight of female lions ranges between 110 and 120 kg. The height of Asiatic lions is usually around 110 cm or 3.5 feet. The maximum length ever recorded of a lion of this species was 115 inches or 2.92m.

According to an announcement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10th June 2020, the Asiatic Lion population has grown by 29%, from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. India has increased the lion distribution area by 36% during the same period.

Asiatic Lions - Habitat

The Asian Lion is found in the Gir Forest, India. This forest covers an area of 1,412.1 square kilometres. This is the only remaining habitat of this lion species. The Gir Forest was declared a sanctuary for Asiatic Lions in 1965. Here is some more information about the habitat of the Indian Lion:

• No human activity is allowed in this forest.
• The hilly regions of Gir and Girnar are the regions where the Asian Lion exists.
• The population of this lion was on the brink of extinction but recovered to 411 lions by 2010.
• Earlier, the habitat of the Asiatic Lion was not confined to just the Gir forest.
• This species of lion was also found in Palestine, Baluchistan, Mesopotamia, etc.

Asiatic Lion - Characteristics

Asiatic lions have a longitudinal skin fold running alongside their bellies. The fur of Asiatic lions can be sandy, black, or ruddy and may also have a silvery sheen. Because of moderate mane growth, male adult lions' ears are always visible. Here are some more details about the characteristics of the Asian lion:

Threats Faced by Asiatic Lions

The biggest threats Asiatic lions face in sanctuaries and national parks are habitat fragmentation and poaching. The Gir National Park Protected Area is home to a railway line and three major roads. Moreover, the three major Hindu temples inside the Protected Area also witness an influx of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. This is why almost 200 Asiatic lions live outside the Protected Area of the Gir National Park.

Although the human-lion conflict is presently negligible, the situation may go out of hand quickly. Moreover, reports have emerged that over 20,000 unguarded wells in the Protected Area have contributed to multiple lion deaths. Additionally, due to the penetration of Asiatic lions in one place, the risks of genetic inbreeding is quite high.

Conservation Status of Asiatic Lion

• The IUCN status of the Asiatic Lion as Endangered has prompted the authorities to take multiple steps to protect the existing population of Asiatic Lions.
• Besides patrolling the area, the local forest authorities sensitise people about the importance of safeguarding Asiatic lions and their role in preserving the region's biodiversity.
• The Asiatic Lion is an endangered species facing multiple challenges. Proper conservation efforts are required to protect them from being poached since they are integral to the region's biodiversity and India's status as a habitable country for wildlife.

FAQs on Asiatic Lions

Q1. How many Asiatic Lions are left?

Asiatic lions are an endangered subspecies of Panthera leo persica. Although they were abundant in India, West Asia, and the Middle East at the time, the population of Asiatic Lions has reduced to 20,000 to 40,000. Now, the Asiatic Lion is only found in the Gir Forest of India.

Q2. What is the IUCN status of the Asiatic Lion?

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status of the Asiatic Lion is Endangered. The Asiatic Lion is an endangered species and was once on the brink of getting extinct. In 2010, the population of the Asian Lion finally increased to 411 in India.

Q3. How many Asiatic lions are found in India?

According to an announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10th June 2020, the Asiatic Lion population has grown by 29%, from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. This is a huge improvement because the population of the Asiatic Lion was steadily decreasing in the last few decades.

Q4. Where are Asiatic lions found?

Asiatic lions are generally confined to five national parks and sanctuaries in India. They are Gir National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat's Saurashtra, Gir Sanctuary, Girnar Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary, and Pania Sanctuary. Earlier, the Asiatic Lion was also found in West Asia and the Middle East.