Asiatic Lion

Source: NIE

Context: Three Asiatic lion cubs died in Amreli district of Gujarat, with six more under veterinary observation, raising fresh alarms about rising cub mortality amid overall population growth in the Gir landscape.

About Asiatic Lion:

• What It Is? The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lion found only in India, recognized for its restricted range and distinct physical traits compared to its African cousin.

• The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lion found only in India, recognized for its restricted range and distinct physical traits compared to its African cousin.

• Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica

• IUCN Status

• Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Appendix I of CITES (international trade ban)

• Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

• Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• Appendix I of CITES (international trade ban)

• Habitat: Primarily found in the Gir National Park and adjoining areas in Gujarat such as Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, and coastal zones; over 200 lions now live outside protected areas.

• History: Once ranging from eastern India to the Mediterranean, the species was reduced to a handful in Gir by early 1900s. Conservation efforts have revived its numbers, but it still exists as a single wild population.

• Once ranging from eastern India to the Mediterranean, the species was reduced to a handful in Gir by early 1900s.

• Conservation efforts have revived its numbers, but it still exists as a single wild population.

• Features:

• Males have a sparse mane, with ears visible, unlike African lions A distinctive long belly fold is always present Coat is sandy to buff-grey, sometimes silvery Shoulder height: ~110 cm and length: up to 280 cm Weight: Males (160–190 kg), Females (110–120 kg)

• Males have a sparse mane, with ears visible, unlike African lions

• A distinctive long belly fold is always present

• Coat is sandy to buff-grey, sometimes silvery

• Shoulder height: ~110 cm and length: up to 280 cm

• Weight: Males (160–190 kg), Females (110–120 kg)