Asiatic lion

Panthera leo leo (Asiatic population)

Mammalia · Carnivora · Felidae

Fig. 1. Asiatic lion

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	About 0.8-1.1 m at the shoulder
Weight	Males about 160-190 kg; females 110-120 kg
Food	Deer, antelope, buffalo, livestock
Lifespan	About 16-18 years (est.)
Society	Smaller prides than African lions
Habitat	forest, grassland
Range	Asia
Wild or tame	Wild

Once found from Greece to India, it now lives only in and around Gir Forest, Gujarat. The 2025 census counted 891 lions, up from 674 in 2020 (Gujarat Forest Department). A fold of skin along the belly and a shorter mane that shows the ears are field marks.

Observe: Look for the belly fold and the ears showing through the mane.

Modern data

Status today

VUVulnerable Endangered (ESA) status to verify

Conservation	Part of the lion species, Vulnerable (IUCN); the Gir population is growing.
Keeper's note	Daily checks of appetite, movement and behavior; enrichment that changes from day to day.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Panthera

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · Down To Earth: 2025 lion census (891)

See it elsewhere in the museum

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Predict the dietPreviewHeredity and Evolution: Darwin and WallacePreviewThe Mammal Hall: Where the rule breaksPreview

Drawer: Zoo: Asian forest

Quiz: Asian forest quiz · 5 questions

3YYW2R

Same order: Carnivora

Asiatic lion

Status today

See it elsewhere in the museum

Same order: Carnivora

Red panda

African wild dog

Arctic fox

Dhole