The Asiatic Lion of Gir National Park

Panthera leo persica, commonly known as the Asiatic lion, survives only in India today. Since the start of the 20th century, the Asiatic lion population has its range restricted to only the Gir National Park located in Gujarat, India and the areas surrounding it. 

An Austrian Zoologist named Johann N. Meyer was the first to give a scientific description of these lions inhabiting the Gir forest. The description was given in 1826 and was named Felis leo persicus. Formerly, the scientific name for Asiatic lions was Panthera leo persicus. Also, this is the name by which these lions are listed under the IUCN Red List as an endangered species due to their small population and the restricted occupancy area. 

Gir National Park: Home of Asiatic Lion

Presently, the only home of the Asiatic lions- The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the Gujarat state of India near Talala Gir. This forest, wildlife sanctuary and national park are also regarded as Sasan Gir. The Gir forest is known to be put in place in 1965 as the private hunting area for the then Nawab of Junagarh. 

The total area covered by the only habitat of Asiatic lions is 1,412 km2 (545 sq mi). Out of this 1,412 km2, the National Park covers 258 km2 (100 sq mi), and the wildlife sanctuary covers 1,153 km2 (445 sq mi). Gir forests were one of the popular forests for hunting where the rulers of princely states used to invite the British colonists. Also, it is worth remembering that the Gir forests are admired for their diverse flora and fauna. 

Characteristics of Asiatic lions

The Asiatic lions have their fur colour ranging from ruddy-tawny speckled with black to bluish grey or sandy. In some specific lighting, the colour of their fur seems like silvery sheen. The mane growth in the male species is moderate, and this growth is on their head’s top, leaving their ears visible. Also, this growth is insignificant to their throat and cheeks. The mane growth varies in male Asiatic lions with their region and age. Around half the population of the Asiatic lions of Gir National Park has their skull having divided infraorbital foramina. 

Threats to the Asiatic lions of Gir National Park

Gir National Park is the only home of the Asiatic lions. Hence, they are endangered and vulnerable to extinction. The causes for their endangerment include a few unpredictable events and some human activities that threaten their existence. The unpredictable events include forest fires and epidemics. Poaching is also noted to be a leading cause of their endangerment in recent years. Overgrazing, fuelwood collection, and tourism are numerous reasons for their lives being threatened. 

But, this was before the initiative of the Indian Government of setting up the National Park. The Gir National Park completely restricts or prohibits human activities from providing the Asiatic lions with a safe habitat. 

Improvement in the population of Asiatic lions

The establishment of the Gir National Park by the Indian Government has proven to be a great initiative to save the Asiatic lions. Since 2010, a steady increase in their population has been observed. The 14th Asiatic Lion Census in May 2015 was conducted. This census conducted over 20,000 km2 showed that the total number of Asiatic lions in the Gir region is 523, including 109 males and 201 females adults and 213 cubs. Fortunately, this count increased even more in 2017 when the surveyors counted that the Gor region has 650 lion individuals. Recently, in June 2020, the census of Asiatic lions was reported to be 674 individuals. Compared to the 14th Asiatic Lion Census conducted in May 2015, the estimation count in 2020 showed an increase of 29%.  

Conclusion

Asiatic lions inhabiting the Gir National Park are one of the five pantherine cats that are native to the country of India. These lions are now found in their only habitat- Gir National Park. Listed under the IUCN Red List, these lions are also named Persian and Indian lions. Johann N. Meyer was the first person to give a scientific description of Asiatic lions named Felis leo persicus. Although they share some similarities with the African lions, Asiatic lions can be distinguished based on their mane growth. 

These lions were on the brink of extinction. Still, the timely initiative of the Indian Government to establish the Gir National Park has resulted in a steady increase in its population.