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Home / IAS Preparation / Asiatic Lion

Asiatic Lion - Physical Features, Habitat, Distribution, IUCN Status, Conservation And More

Last Updated on Jan 07, 2024
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Asiatic Lion is also known as Persian Lion or Indian Lion. Asiatic lions are also known as Panthera Leo. They are the only remaining populations in the wild today, and they are only found in India. The range of Asiatic Lion covers Gir National Park and its adjacent territories in the Indian state of Gujarat. Also, it used to cover a large portion of the Middle East and northern India.

Asiatic Lion is one of the important topics for the UPSC IAS Exam as it covers a significant part of the Environment subject in the General Studies paper-3 syllabus as well as the UPSC prelims syllabus.

In this article, we shall cover in detail physical characteristics, IUCN status, habitat, and some other interesting facts about the Asiatic Lion for the UPSC exam.

Recent News on Asiatic Lion
  • The Asiatic lion population grew from 523 in 2015 to over 650 now in Gujarat. Diseases and injuries, especially due to fights among males, affect their survival rate.
  • Around 50-55 Asiatic lions died due to diseases, unnatural causes, and infighting in 2021. Lion deaths due to distemper virus and canine adenovirus infections continue.
  • The Gujarat government launched various initiatives to boost the lion population. These include:
    • translocations from Gir sanctuary to other sanctuaries, 
    • the ready availability of prey base, and 
    • veterinary facilities.

Learn more about the Asian Elephant for UPSC!

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About Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion is also known as the Persian lion. It is a subspecies of the lion (Panthera leo persica) native to India. It is one of the five pantherine cats native to India. The others are the Bengal Tiger, the Indian Leopard, the Snow Leopard, and the Clouded Leopard. It is one of the most endangered big cats globally, with a population estimated at around 650 individuals.

Figure: Asiatic Lion

Quick Overview of Asiatic Lion

The quick facts about the Asiatic lIon are listed in the table below.

Asiatic Lions Facts at Glance

Asiatic Lion Scientific Name

Panthera leo persica

Asiatic Lion Population in India

523

Height

Approx 110 cm

Length

Males: 1.7-2.5 m

Females: 1.4-1.75 m

Weight

Male: 160-190 kg

Female: 110-120 kg

Asiatic Lion IUCN Status

Endangered

Schedule

Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

CITES

Appendix I of CITES

Diet

Carnivores

Habitat and Distribution of Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion's current range is restricted to Gir National Park and the surrounding areas in the Indian state of Gujarat. Historically, it inhabited much of southwest Asia to northern India. However, due to habitat loss and human encroachment, its range has significantly decreased over time.

Gir National Park, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. The park covers an area of about 1,412 square kilometers. It consists of dry deciduous forests, open scrublands, and grassy meadows. It provides a suitable habitat for the lions, with a mix of dense vegetation for cover and open areas for hunting.

Learn more about the himalayan serow!

Major Characteristics of Asiatic Lion

Here are the physical characteristics of Asiatic Lions:

  • The Asiatic lion is smaller than the African lion. Males weigh around 160-190 kg, and females around 120 kg. They have a total body length of 2.4–3.25 m.
  • Asiatic lions have a relatively short mane compared to African lions. Males develop a thin mane around their neck and shoulders at around 3-4 years of age.
  • Asiatic lions are pale yellow to darker sandy color. Their coat is covered in dark rosette markings. They have a lighter underside.
  • Their broad head is relatively smaller compared to their body. They have comparatively smaller ears also.
  • Female Asiatic lions grow a tuft of fur on the tips of their tail, but the males lack this tuft. Asiatic lion tail length is 0.6 to 1.1 m.
  • Asiatic lion claws are short and blunt compared to those of African lions. This is because they hunt smaller prey like chital, sambar, and wild boar instead of large ungulates.
  • Asiatic lions tend to be less vocal than African lions. They can produce roars, growls, grunts, purrs, and murmurs. But their roars lack the deep resonating quality of African lions.
  • Asiatic lions have highly sensitive whiskers. They use it to detect the movements of prey in darkness. They also have good night vision and hearing.
  • The lifespan of Asiatic lions in the wild is around 12 years and up to 16 years in captivity. The oldest recorded Asiatic lion lived up to 26 years.

Figure: Extent of Asiatic Lion

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Behaviour & Features of Asiatic Lion

Male Asiatic lions create loose pride (group) by banding together with up to three females despite their natural tendency to live alone. Lions in couples mark their territory and engage in behaviours including hunting, resting, and feeding together. The character and structure of the pride formed by females, which can contain up to 12 lionesses and their pups, is significantly stronger. Large carcasses are occasionally shared by the female pride with their male counterparts but rarely vice versa. The mating season is the only time that male and female lion pride interact with one another. Male pride forms alliances and protects the areas where one or more female pride are located.

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Conservation of Asiatic Lion
  • In 1910, the Nawab of Junagadh banned lion hunting in his province to conserve Asiatic lions.
  • Gir Forest was declared a National Park and Sanctuary in the 1960s-70s. This was meant to ensure the protection of the only remaining habitat for Indian lions.
  • The Kuno Project aims to ease overpopulation in Gir. It aimed to translocate excess lions to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Conflict with people living near the sanctuary is a major threat faced by Indian lions. Relocating people from Gir's protected area can reduce human-lion conflict. Consolidating the park boundaries can also help.
  • Involving locals in lion conservation efforts and awareness programs will help protect the species.
  • Preventing poaching continues to be a major challenge for lion survival.
  • Gir National Park's natural environment needs to be conserved. Avoiding afforestation that affects grasslands and savannahs is crucial.
  • World Lion Day is observed on August 10 every year to raise awareness about lion conservation.
  • The Indian government launched the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project in 2018.
    • The aim is to protect and conserve the only free population of Asiatic lions in the world.
    • The project also focuses on protecting the ecosystem that supports the lion population.
  • Project Lion was launched in 2020. It aims to conserve Asiatic lions using habitat creation, technology, research, and veterinary care. It will also offer livelihoods to local communities.
  • Six additional sites have been identified along with Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary under Project Lion. The six additional sites are as follows:
    • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
    • Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
    • Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan.
    • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Jessore-Balaram Ambaji WLS and adjoining landscape, Gujarat.

IUCN Status Of Asiatic Lion

Asiatic Lion is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Also, check out the article on the Asian Elephant for UPSC Preparation!

Why are Asiatic Lions Endangered?

There are only 1,200 Asian Lions left in the wild. Asiatic Lions are endangered because of the following reasons:

  • Due to poaching, habitat damage, and other human activity, Asian lions are in danger.
  • The electrified fences that farmers use to keep grazing animals out of their fields also pose a threat to Asian lions.
  • Many of these have also fallen into the nearby exposed well shafts, where they drown. Given that there are almost 20,000 wells adjacent to the Gir Forest National Park, this poses a significant risk.

Study in detail about the Great Indian Bustard here!

Cultural Significance of Asiatic Lion
  • The Asiatic lion holds immense cultural significance in India. It is revered as a symbol of royalty, strength, and courage. In ancient Indian scriptures, the lion is often depicted as the king of the animal kingdom.
  • The lion's cultural significance is evident in various aspects of Indian culture. The lion's roar is considered a symbol of power and majesty. Lions are also featured prominently in Indian folklore. They are often portrayed as wise and benevolent rulers who protect their people.
  • The Asiatic lion's cultural importance extends to its role in religious traditions. In Hinduism, the lion is associated with the deity Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted as a half-man, half-lion. The lion is also revered in Buddhism, where it symbolizes fearlessness and enlightenment.
  • The lion's image adorns the coat of arms of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is also featured on various Indian currency notes and stamps.
  • The Asiatic lion's cultural significance extends beyond India. In Iran, the lion was once the symbol of the Persian Empire. 

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Asiatic Lion Census 2020

In 2020, the number of lions in Gujarat officially surpassed 700, representing a 6-8% increase in the population. There was an exercise called Poonam Avlokan (population observation exercise during the full moon). Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the exercise was first undertaken in June 2020 in place of the 2020 Asiatic Lion Census.

In the Asiatic Lion landscape, the 2020 Poonam Avlokan recorded 674 Lions, a 28.9% rise from the 2019 total. The growth rate reached its previous peak in 2015 when it was 27% higher than in 2010. In 2015, 523 lions were counted. According to the 2020 census, the ratio of adult males to adult females was 1 to 1.61, and the number of adult females to cubs was 1 to 0.53.

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Difference between African Lion and Asiatic Lion

Parameter

African Lion

Asiatic Lion

Size

African are larger than Asiatic (330 pounds-500 pounds)

Not large (350 pounds-450 pounds)

Mane

More prominent is a fuller mane that covers the whole head and falls back over the shoulders.

Sparse and exceptionally short mane with its ears visible

Elbow And Tail Tufts

minimal tufts of hair on their tails and elbows.

Pronounced tufts of hair on their elbows and tails

Skin Fold

Absent

A long-running longitudinal fold of skin under their bellies

Skull

One infraorbital foramen

Bifurcated infraorbital foramina (small holes in the skull, allowing blood vessels and nerves to pass to the eye)

Size Of The Pride

Larger

Smaller

Sociability Of Male Lions

Dependable

Move in independent groups

Size Of Prey

African lion preys on larger animals

Asiatic lions prey on smaller animals

Also, check out the article on Lion-Tailed Macaque for UPSC Preparation!

Asiatic Lion – Features, Conservation, IUCN Status & Important Facts for UPSC Environment Notes: Download PDF here!

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More Articles for IAS Preparation

Asiatic Lion FAQs

The longitudinal fold of skin running over the Asiatic lion's belly is something special about Asiatic Lion.

Asiatic Lion are listed as Endangered species on IUCN Red List because they are in a small population size and area of occupancy, they can be viewed as rare species.

As of 2020, according to the survey there are 674 Asiatic Lions counted in the Gir forest region.

A group of male lions is called a coalition and a group of mostly female lions is called a pride. The pride typically has fewer than 20 members and consists of female lions and their young children.

Asiatic lion conservation project is a project launched by the Indian government for the conservation and protection of Lions. It was started in 2018 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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