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SPECIES PROFILE
Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Panthera
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Restricted to Gir Forest National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Dry deciduous forests, scrublands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Felidae
GENUS
Panthera
📋 Description
SIZE
Males 2.6-3 meters (including tail), 120-190 kg; females 2.4-2.7 meters, 80-120 kg
COLORATION
Tawny coat, males with thinner manes than African lions, lighter underparts
ADAPTATIONS
Social structure for group hunting, strong limbs for tackling prey
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Dry deciduous forests, scrublands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Restricted to Gir Forest National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat
REPRODUCTION
Females gestate 100-119 days, birthing 1-4 cubs; cubs join pride at 2-3 years
DIET DETAILS
Deer, antelope, livestock like cattle and buffalo
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Limited range, disease outbreaks, human encroachment
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Last Stronghold: The last wild population of about 700 Asiatic lions roams Gir Forest with prides hunting deer in groups of 10. Conservation since 1965 has boosted their numbers from near extinction.
2
Cultural Icon: Revered in Gujarat's folklore as a symbol of courage their 300 kg bodies feature in ancient Indian art. Their social prides unlike solitary tigers include up to 15 members fostering strong family bonds.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat offers jeep safaris for Asiatic lion sightings
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat has adjacent hills with occasional lion presence
Sasan Gir region in Gujarat provides open scrublands for lion sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season enhances visibility in dry deciduous forests where lions roam freely.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Join guided jeep safaris at dawn to spot lions near waterholes or resting in open areas.
