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Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) |
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| Scientific classification: |
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| Kingdom |
: Animalia |
| Phylum |
: Chordata |
Class
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: Mammalia |
| Order |
: Carnivora |
| Family |
: Felidae |
| Genus |
: Panthera |
| Species |
: leo persica |
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Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica |
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Status:Highly endangered species and is restricted to Gir forest in Gujarat. The population of the species was estimated to be 359 in 2005 in the Gir forest. Being highly endangered species the animal has been put in Schedule I in the wildlife protection act 1972. |
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Distribution:The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), once to be found throughout India, the Middle East and Southern Asia, is today, restricted to the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, western India.
There is another sub-species known as African Lion (Panthera leo leo) and is found in the open dried deciduous forest of Africa. There are differences between the two sub-species. The Asiatic lion has a smaller mane than the African lion; its tail is thicker and more prominent. The Asiatic lion also has a belly fold. |
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Diedt in the Wild:The lion's prey consists mainly of medium to large herd animals such as antelope, gazelle, and wild beast. |
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Diedt in the Zoo:10 kg of Buffalo Calf Meat in the summer while in winter 12 kg of Buffalo Calf Meat are provided. The meat is provided 6 days in a week. |
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Animal in Captivity at NZP:There are 5 Asiatic lions (2:3) in the NZP viz. Rohan, Gagash, Chunni, Anita and Karol. Out of the two males Gagash is the older one. It was 13 years of age at the time of arrival from Junagarh Zoo on 01.10.2004 at NZP. The other male Rohan was born at NZP to Pyare (M) Karol (F) on 26.08.2005. The remaining females namely Anita (D.O.B. 25.02.1995) was brought from Junagarh Zoo, Karol (D.O.B approx. 1990) was brought from Hyderabad Zoo and Chunni was 3 years old when brought from Hyderabad on 25.03.2005. |
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Animal in Wild:This species is found only in the Gir National Park, Junagarh, Gujarat. Gir forest is the last strong hold of Asiatic lion in wild and lies almost at the bottom of Saurahstra Peninsula in western Gujarat. It is the only compact block of forest and teak bearing in the entire Saurashtra. Its terrain is rugged and hilly, particularly in the northern and western portion with Gir hills.
The entire Gir track is sparsely populated with Maldharis (Nomadic graziers) who have been residing in the Gir since time in memorial. They maintain large herd of cattles. These herds invariably attract lion who remain in vicinity of the same in the hope of lifting stay animals to supplement their diet.
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Threats:Gir forest is the long natural habitat where a large number of Maaldharis stay inside the park. They and their cattle are dependent on the forest. The habitat is being degraded by the activities of the local population. Poaching can not be ruled out.
There are chances of spreading of any contagious disease that may wipe out the whole population.
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