Asiatic Lion

• Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica
• IUCN Red List Status: Endangered, indicating that the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild if conservation efforts are not sustained.
• CITES: Appendix I, which provides the highest degree of international protection by prohibiting commercial international trade in the species.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing the highest level of legal protection in India.
• Endemic to India: The Asiatic Lion is the only wild lion population found in India and the last surviving population of Asiatic lions in the world.
• Distribution: Its natural habitat is confined to the Gir Landscape of Gujarat, which includes:
  • Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Pania Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Surrounding reserved forests and revenue areas
• State Animal: The Asiatic Lion is the State Animal of Gujarat.
• Habitat: It inhabits dry deciduous forests, thorn scrub forests, savannah grasslands and open woodland ecosystems, where sufficient prey and water are available.
• Diet: It is a carnivore, feeding mainly on Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Four-horned Antelope and livestock in some areas.
• Distinctive Features:
  • Comparatively smaller and less developed mane than the African lion.
  • A prominent longitudinal fold of skin along the belly, which helps distinguish it from African lions.
  • Generally lives in smaller prides than African lions.
• Major Threats:
  • Entire wild population concentrated in a single geographical region, making it vulnerable to epidemics and natural disasters.
  • Human–wildlife conflict.
  • Habitat fragmentation.
  • Disease outbreaks and genetic bottlenecks due to limited population distribution.
• Conservation Measures:
  • Project Lion launched by the Government of India for habitat improvement, disease management and long-term conservation.
  • Continuous habitat expansion within the Gir landscape.
  • Wildlife health monitoring and disease surveillance.
  • Strengthening wildlife corridors and prey-base management.

UPSC Prelims Question (English)

Q. With reference to the Asiatic Lion, consider the following statements:

1. It is the only wild lion population found in India.
2. It is listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
3. It is included in Appendix I of CITES.
4. It is naturally found in more than one Indian State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Asiatic Lion is the only wild lion population surviving in India.
• Statement 2 is correct: It is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
• Statement 3 is correct: It is listed in CITES Appendix I, ensuring the highest level of international trade protection.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Its natural wild population is confined to the Gir landscape of Gujarat.