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| The Asiatic
Lion has been known in India for centuries.
The Ashoka Pillar, which is the national emblem
of India , depicts three snarling Asiatic
lions with beautifully carved curling manes
and expressions. Their accurate depiction
testifies to the skill of the sculptors of
Mauryan times, as well as their awareness
of this magnificent animal, the Asiatic Lion,
often called "The King of Beasts".
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| Range |
| The
Asiatic Lion is found in the wild in India
in the protected wildlife park of Gir Reserve
Forest in Gujarat . |
| Physical
Appearance |
| Asiatic
Lion is the second largest of the "Big
Cats" after the Tiger. A fully- grown
male lion can reach 9 feet long including
its 3-foot long tail, with a dark tuft of
fur at the end. An Asiatic Lion can reach
up to a size of about 4 feet tall and can
weigh over 200 Kg. Lionesses are smaller in
size, but equally ferocious. Lionesses are
usually sandy or tawny in color. Male lions
can range in color from orange-yellow to dark
brown. Males are characterized by their manes,
which can sometimes be black in color. |
| Habitat |
| Asiatic
Lions live in open grasslands or forests,
including scrub jungle. Lions have been known
to occasionally climb trees but are usually
seen on the ground. |
| Diet |
| Asiatic
Lions are carnivores and hunt for their prey.
They prey includes various species of deer,
antelope and wild cattle or buffalo. (In Africa
lions also eat zebra and wildebeest. Lions
have also been observed attacking the young
of hippopotamus or elephants in Africa .)
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| Behaviour |
| Asiatic
Lions are the only Big Cats to live in large
groups or "prides". Prides usually
consist of around 15 members, including several
related lionesses, their cubs and a few males.
The lionesses do most of the hunting, while
the males defend the pride's territory. Lions
establish their territorial boundaries by
roaring and scent marking. Lionesses usually
stalk their prey, until they manage to approach
nearby and then attack, killing their prey
with a bite to the neck. Young male lions
are usually expelled from the pride after
they are around 3 years old. Young female
lions may stay with the pride or join other
prides. Many male lions remain solitary and
do not join any pride. |
| Status |
| Asiatic
Lions are a gravely endangered species. The
last surviving Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest
in Gujarat are threatened by habitat loss
and human encroachment. However they are recognized
as extremely threatened and efforts are on
to promote a captive breeding program in various
zoos across India . |
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