Asian Lion
The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a subspecies of the lion which survives today only in India and therefore it is also known as the Indian lion. The Asiatic Lions once ranged from the Mediterranean to India, covering most of Southwest Asia where it was also known as the Persian Lion.
The current wild population of Asiatic Lion consists of about 350 individuals restricted to the Gir Forest in the state of Gujarat, India, and is under the private protection of the ruler of the small state. The Asiatic lion habitats include tropical dry forests, tropical grasslands, deserts and semi-deserts.
Asian Lion Characteristics
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Compared to their African cousins, Asiatic lions have shaggier coats, with a longer tassel on the end of the tail and longer tufts of hair on the elbows.
The most noticeable physical characteristic found in all Asiatic lions, but rarely in African lions, is a longitudinal fold of skin running along their belly.
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The mane of the Asiatic lion is generally shorter than that of the African lion, so the ears are always visible. Asiatic lions are, in general, slightly smaller than African lions.
Male Asiatic lions measure 1.7 - 2.5 metres long and weigh 150 - 250 kilograms, while female Asiatic lions measure 1.4 - 1.75 metres in length and weigh in at 120 - 182 kilograms. The Asiatic lions tail averages around 70 - 105 centimetres long.
Like all cats Asiatic lions are equipped with powerful retractable claws and long sharp canine teeth that are used in dragging their prey to the ground.
Asiatic Lion Behaviour
Like their African cousins, Asiatic lions are highly sociable animals living in social units called prides. The Asiatic pride is smaller. Studies have shown that most Gir prides contain just two adult females as compared to the average African pride which contains 4 to 6 adult females.
The largest recorded female coalition of Asiatic lionesses is a group of five. However, it must be said that despite the small population and habitat area, few individual animals are known. The male Asiatic lions are less social and only associate with the pride when mating or on a large kill. It has been suggested that this may be because their prey animals are smaller than those in Africa, requiring fewer hunters to tackle them.
Like African lions, hunting is a cooperative affair but adult males rarely participate. If vegetation is sparse, hunting usually takes place at night, but where it is thick, it may also take place during the day. The lions use stealth to approach their prey and then charge and either grab or knock it down before it outruns them. Only one in about four charges ends successfully. Lions are inactive for most of the day, spending up to 20 hours per day resting or sleeping.
Asiatic Lion Reproduction
Mating is not seasonal and takes place all year round. Male Asiatic lions reach sexual maturity at around 5 years old and female Asiatic lions reach sexual maturity earlier at around 4 years old. The gestation period last for between 100 - 119 days after which 1 - 6 cubs are born. Intervals between births can be 18 - 26 months.
The cubs start eating meat at about 3 months of age while continuing to suckle for up to 6 months. They spend 9 months perfecting their hunting skills, become independent aged one and reach maturity at 3 to 4 years. Cub mortality is high, up to 80% may die before 2 years of age. The life span of the Asiatic lion is 16 - 18 years.
Asiatic Lion Diet
Like all wild cats, the Asiatic lion is a carnivore. The typical diet of the Asiatic lion is deer, antelope, wild boar and buffalo.
Asiatic Lion Conservation Status
Asiatic lions are classed as critically endangered animal. Official protection by the imperial government was given in 1900, however, with increasing human population, overgrazing, and destruction of forest cover, suitable habitat was reduced to about 1,300 square kilometres. In 1957, three African lions, hardly different from their Asiatic relatives, were released in the Gir Forest sanctuary. Their increase has indicated that such an approach may ensure the continued existence of the lion in Asia. About 85 Asian lions survive in captivity.
