Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity
In News:
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 areas of coastal Saurashtra, Gujarat.
During 2015, their population was 523 lions.
Geographically, distribution area has also increased by 36%.
Important value additions
Asiatic Lion
It is a Panthera leo leo population in India.
Its current range is restricted to the Gir National Park and environs in the Indian state of Gujarat.
It is one of five pantherine cats inhabiting India. Others are:
Bengal tiger
Indian leopard
Snow leopard
Clouded leopard
It is also known as the “Indian lion” and the “Persian lion”.
Status:
Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
Appendix I of CITES
Endangered on IUCN Red List.
It is slightly smaller than African lions.
The most striking morphological character is a longitudinal fold of skin running along belly of Asiatic Lions.
