Asiatic lions are among the endangered animals that face the risk of extinction due to human activities. They are also known as Indian lions.
Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir forests of Gujarat today and the approximate population here is between 400 – 600. The government and many animal welfare organisations have worked hard to conserve this dying species for the past two decades.
As a result, the population of Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest National Park has increased. These animals are still vulnerable to epidemics. Yet another reason that contributed to their decline is poaching. Because some of the lions live outside the protected areas, they rarely enter nearby villages, causing conflicts with human beings.
The lion is one of five big cat species in India, along with Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard.
Picture credit: google
