The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is an endangered species. It lives in the forests of Bengal, eastern Turkey, Central India, Iran, Gir Forest National Park, and Mesopotamia.
The Asiatic lion is also called Persian lion or Indian lion. Currently they are living but in small population sizes.
They have sandy colored coat but there are many black spots that are quite visible. Unlike Barbary lions, the Asiatic lion has a small mane.
Male lions average 160 to 190 kg (350 to 420 lb) in weight while females weigh 110 to 120 kg (240 to 2
60 lb). They stand 43 inches tall.
Asiatic lions have 31 – 35 inches long tails.
The lion makes home in dry deciduous forests, savanna and thorny forests.
They will eat large number of ungulates including spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, four-horned antelope, chinkara, and blue bull.
Asiatic lions share their range with other predators such as Indian leopard, jungle cat, golden jackal, rusty-spotted cat, Asiatic cheetah, wolf, Indian hares, and sloth bears.
Asiatic lions may live up to 16 or 18 years in the wild. Females have shorter lifespans as compared to males.
