Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion differs from the African lion in having a smaller size, a shorter mane and a long fold of skin on the abdomen. Their fur is thicker, they have a longer tail tuft and a prominent tuft on the elbows. The number of females accompanying the male is lower than in the case of the African, 2 females compared to 4-6.

It is classified as “endangered” by the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main problems it faces are inbreeding due to the isolation of the population, diseases, poaching and habitat loss.

In some ways, the Asiatic lion is less social and tends to go in smaller groups. This is because the prey available in the forest is very small and they do not need each other to hunt. Females are responsible for hunting, as in the case of African lions. They feed mainly on antelopes, deer, wild boar, buffalo and sometimes also on domestic cattle they find in the reserve.

Their gestation period lasts approximately 100 days and litters can contain from 1 to 6 young.