Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

By /

Why in News?

The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), found in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is a critically endangered subspecies. Explore its habitat, conservation efforts, and challenges to survival

Description:

  • Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica
  • Unique Feature: Longitudinal belly fold (absent in African lions).
  • Social Unit: Smaller prides (2–3 females) vs African (4–6 females).
  • Current IUCN Status (2025): Vulnerable.
  • CITES: Appendix I.

Distribution & Population:

  • Exclusive to India – mainly in Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat.
  • Lion Census 2020 (Gujarat Forest Dept.):
    • 674 lions in ~30,000 sq km across 9 districts & 53 talukas of Saurashtra.
  • Once ranged across West Asia & Middle East – now extinct outside India.

Habitat:

  • Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, savannas.
  • Major protected habitats:
    • Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary (Est. 1965, 1,412 sq km core + 470 sq km buffer = 1,882 sq km)
    • Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary (Est. 2008, Junagadh district) – extension habitat.

Asiatic vs. African Lion:

FeatureAsiatic LionAfrican Lion
SizeSlightly smallerLarger
ManeShorter, less developedFuller, denser
Social BehaviourMales stay with prideMales usually leave pride
HabitatDry deciduous forest (India only)Savannas, shrublands, deserts
DistributionGujarat onlyWidespread Sub-Saharan Africa
IUCN StatusVulnerableVulnerable
CITES ListingAppendix IAppendix II
Protection (India)WPA 1972 – Schedule I–

Conservation Efforts:

  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I (maximum protection).
  • Project Lion (2020):
    • Create a second free-ranging population in Kuno-Palpur, MP.
    • Strengthen disease surveillance, habitat management, community participation.
  • Relocation Challenges: Political resistance, ecological suitability debates.
Types of Lions: (Asiatic Lion)

La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.

FOLLOW US ON:

◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS

◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/

GET IN TOUCH:

Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/

or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140

OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020

Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524,  Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040

Scroll to Top