ASIATIC LION

June 11, 2020

According to June 5, 2020 census, the number of Asiatic lions have now risen by 29% over five years to an estimated 674 in the Gir forest region and other revenue areas of coastal Saurashtra. During 2015, their population was 523 lions. Geographically, distribution area is up by 36%.

About:

Scientific Name: Panthera Leo Persica.
Common Name: Asiatic lion, Indian Lion.
Status: Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, in Appendix I of CITES and as Endangered on IUCN Red List.
Characteristics: Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions. The most striking morphological character is a longitudinal fold of skin running along belly of Asiatic Lions.
Habitat and Distribution: At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only abode of the Asiatic lion. They live in a compact tract of dry deciduous forest and open grassy scrublands in southwestern part of Saurashtra region of Gujarat.