The Asiatic lions, which once roamed across several countries, are mainly confined to the Gir Forest National Park in India. Given its tiny population and the fact that it survives in a single location, the Asiatic lion continues to be threatened by in-breeding, disease, fires, and illegal mining. Lions are not found in tropical rainforests or deserts. Lions: The Uniquely Social 'King of the Jungle' | Live Science Teachers create lasting change for people and other primates via clean cookstoves (commentary). Many credit southern Africa’s success to the way it manages its conservation areas. Almost all of the lions in the wild live in Africa, specifically in the south Sahara desert and in portions of southern and eastern Africa. I have a plan to bring these ‘lions’ down from the trees. Their real habitat is the open savanna where they hunt mammals such as gazelles, antelope, and zebra. Because the savanna is the environment in which lions are best adapted to survive. A population of over 600 lions spread across a 540-square-mile area may make them more susceptible to disease and infighting. More specifically, lions occupy the rich grasslands of East Africa, the sands of Kalahari Desert, and the south Sahara covered by … He prefers the savanna or small bush, but sometimes like in Asia it is possible to find in the forest. Lions are most active at night and live in a variety of habitats but prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland. Decline in top predators and megafauna ‘humankind’s most pervasive influence on nature’. Lions taking an afternoon nap in an acacia tree in Lake Manyara Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand , South Africa This interesting behavior has recently also been observed near the Kruger National Park ’s Crocodile Bridge Camp where there is a particular pride that is known to climb. Lions inhabit tropical grasslands in Asia and the Savanna in Africa. The paper, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, shows that the average lion population density within the Mara’s conservancies – almost 12 lions per 100km 2 – between 2008 and 2013 was 2.6 times higher than previously reported in 2003. Lions in West and Central Africa have seen the most severe declines over the decades. While some humans have mourned such statistics as an aesthetic loss, scientists now say these declines have a far greater impact on humans than just the vanishing of iconic animals. African lions face various threats, such as climate change and habitat loss, but the biggest threat to these animals is humans. If mismanaged, it could result in the loss of lion populations. Conservation groups propose ban on lion parts in US. Lions occur throughout that region, except in the equatorial rain forest and in the heavily populated regions along the southern coast of the western portion of the continent (see map above). Cute animal picture of the day: endangered baby Asiatic lions. Photograph by Mattias Klum, Nat Geo Image Collection Gir Forest National Park encompasses 550 … The subspecies is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. In more than 20 years, the African lion populations have dropped by half. The government also pointed out that Kuno lacks an adequate prey base, and there are tigers in the area. Compared to the rest of the continent, lions in this region are of the 'least concern' status. They may also cooperate to catch larger mammals such as buffalo, giraffes and even crocodiles. Humans may also kill lions out of fear for their safety or illegal trade and poaching. Where Do Lions Live today? However, the Gujarat government rejected the idea of moving the lions, saying that they are “completely safe” in Gir. Additionally, lions have evolved very effective ears for living in the grasslands, which allow them to hear the soft footsteps of … Until recently, lions roamed throughout the plateau, a mosaic of forest and grassland spanning 200,000 square kilometers across southern Gabon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kafa Biosphere Reserve covers 760,000 hectares of montane rainforest and preserves the last place on Earth where wild coffee (Coffea arabica) still grows naturally. Three subspecies of tiger went extinct in the 20th Century. Then comes the lions, but not in person, just in this staggering, and little known, statistic: in the last 50 years we have gone from a population of 450,000 lions to 20,000 today, a 95% decline. They are absent from equatorial areas dominated by moist tropical forest. Image credit: Sandra Clayton/Shutterstock.com. Asian lions are slightly smaller than African lions. As a result, lions may turn to livestock and domesticated animals for food. Photo by: Bruno D’Amicis/NABU. The last census of the cats’ population in 2015showed 356 Asiatic lions living in the Gir National park and another 167 in the unprotected forest and revenue areas of Gujarat state. Billions of artificial lights illuminate continent showing just how much humans over the past few thousand years have come to dominate our world. Carnivores. In addition to fences, many believe ecotourism and trophy hunting is beneficial to lion conservation. Lionesses, or female lions, usually do most of the hunting. African lions have a variety of different habitats, from open woodland, to harsh desert environments, these versatile animals can adapt to many different environments, although … However, trophy hunting is controversial. They are found living on grassy plains, dry thorn forests, Savannas, open woodlands, scrubs, prairies, and semi-arid plains of sub-Saharan Africa. However, there are unique desert-adapted lions in the southwestern part of Africa which have evolved to withstand … They now exist only in Southern and Eastern Africa, with one small population living in the Gir forest in India. (07/14/2011) Worldwide wolf populations have dropped around 99 percent from historic populations. Asiatic lions also face threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict. But the last confirmed lion sighting in Gabon occurred in 1995. With one notable exception: the Asiatic lions of the Gir forest. African lions reside in West and Central Africa (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal), East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), and Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland). A study analyzing 47 lion populations in protected areas around Africa found that almost all lion populations in West and Central Africa have a 67% chance of declining by 50% over the next 20 years. White lions have a regressive mutation called Leucism and this means they have a reduced volume of melanin – the pigment that controls the colour of the lion’s fur and eyes. This confinement helped increase their population, and by 2020, there were an estimated 674 individuals, an increase from 523 in 2015. Lions inhabit remnant forest habitats in the two hill systems of Gir and Girnar that comprise Gujarat's largest tracts of tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, thorny forest and savanna, and provide valuable habitat for a diverse flora and fauna. The lion’s prey is increasingly hunted for the commercial bushmeat trade, resulting in an inadequate food source. In southern Africa, habitat loss and lack of space are the main factors that may prevent lion numbers from increasing. Let us collect juicy fruits, rich berries, flowers and leaves and throw a party for all in the forest.” Rana nodded with a sly grin. Instead the first shot is a view of our planet from space at night. Compared to other cats, lions are more social and they live in groups. (03/02/2011) It’s not widely known that the African lion ((Panthera leo) is currently threatened with extinction in the wild, but listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, the king of animals has declined by over 90% in the past 50 years (from 450,000 lions to between 20,000 and 40,000 today). Now lions primarily live in Africa, aside from a small group of Asiatic lions that live in India’s Gir Forest. Although researchers have long known that the decline of animals at the top of food chain, including big herbivores and omnivores, affects ecosystems through what is known as ‘trophic cascade’, studies over the past few decades are only beginning to reveal the extent to which these animals maintain healthy environments, preserve biodiversity, and improve nature’s productivity. They believe the lack of adequate protection and human population increases may devastate the lions. Of the roughly 20,000 lions left in the wild, almost all are found in Africa. Unlike African lions, the males do not tend to live with the females of their pride unless they’re mating or have a … Asiatic lions live only in Gir Forest, in India's Gujarat state. Up to half of all lions live in Tanzania; only a few hundred live outside of Africa, in India's Gir Forest. Gir Forest National Park, where Asiatic lions live, has deciduous forests, grasslands, scrub jungle, and rocky hills, but the lions only inhabit the savanna and scrub forest areas. You can still find lions in an old Indian royal hunting ground. Male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. West and Central Africa have seen the most severe lion population declines, whereas East and Southern Africa have the most lions in the continent. There is evidence that their populations are either increasing or only slightly declining. Though lions are found across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of northwest India, they do not live in rain forest or desert habitats. Taken in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, the photos show a female lion hiding out in thick montane jungle. PUMA goes carbon neutral by protecting lions in Kenya. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are home to the most lions in the region, and three of the five largest populations are in Tanzania. The proverbial ‘king of the beasts,’ the lion has been one of the best-known wild animals since earliest times. Unfortunately, is classified as Vulnerable, his decline is rapid in the last years. For example, lions in the area live in well-funded and intensively managed populations surrounded by fences. The almost wholesale destruction of top predators—such as sharks, wolves, and big cats—has drastically altered the world’s ecosystems, according to a new review study in Science. Lions do not live in the Indian rainforest but they do live in the Gir Forest which is a dry deciduous forest. The Indian government designed the park as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965. Why do lions prefer to live in the savanna instead of the jungle? Lions don’t normally drink a lot of water, but often make chose to live near rivers, streams and waterholes. Lions are now listed as vulnerable to extinction and still face many threats to their population. These manes grow up to 16cm long and are a sign of dominance. However, they are at risk due to genetic inbreeding as a result of having a single population in one area. The rise of firearms led to the Asiatic lions’ extinction over a large area, including India, where their populations declined due to severe hunting by Indian royalty and colonial powers. Asiatic lions once roamed across northern Africa’s forests, northern Greece, the Middle East, southwest Asia, and India. WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT. Podcast: Are biomass and hydropower ‘false’ climate solutions? A lion’s story, an interview with the filmmakers of The Last Lions. Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest. Lions are known to typically thrive in savanna grasslands with scattered Acacia trees where they camouflage well with their surroundings. Lions of Gir Wild Chronicles journeys to India where the survival of the only wild population of rare Asiatic lions hangs in the balance. Tigers, Jaguars and Lions:) Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species. Lion, large, powerfully built cat that is second in size only to the tiger. With the Asiatic lion’s population climbing, the Supreme Court in India asked the Union government in 2013 to translocate some lions to the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Lions hunt by running down prey, which only works on the open savanna. Long known to locals, the lions are actually thought not to be permanent residents, but possibly passing through Kafa Biosphere Reserve in the dry season. Also, reserves in West and Central Africa have open systems where wildlife is free to roam in and out of the areas, which may cause an increase in human-animal conflicts. However, they can also thrive in any habitat where there is enough cover for denning and hunting, except for tropical rainforests and deserts. Around 90 survive in zoos. Animals that prey on other animals for food live in the dry rain forest, including the mountain lion, one of the largest predators in the Sierra de la Laguna forest … Despite the lion population in East Africa decreasing by 57% from 1993 to 2014, it is home to one of the largest lion populations in the continent, with about 11,000 individuals. About 500 lions are critically endangered in West Africa, while around 2,200 lions are regionally endangered in Central Africa. Lions don't actually live in the jungle. They now occupy less than 660,000 square miles in the continent. Lions mainly stick to terrain where they can easily hunt their prey; this includes grasslands, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodlands. A significant issue in the region that may have contributed to the decline is bushmeat hunting by locals. 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India is home to the Asiatic lion, an endangered lion subspecies mainly found in Gir Forest National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat. This move would protect the population from possible extinction due to unpredictable events such as forest fires or an epidemic. Calling the African lion (Panthera leo) the ‘king of the jungle’ is usually a misnomer, as the species is almost always found in savannah or dry forests, but recent photos by the Germany-based Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) document lions in Ethiopian rainforests. The King of Jungle always wins! If a lion tried to live in the forest, it would starve to death. In Africa, lions live in the Sub-Saharan region except in the equatorial rain forest and in the heavily populated regions along the southern coast of the western portion of the continent. The lions owe their survival and recovery to the assiduous efforts of India’s Forest Department, the state and central governments, and the local communities who have revered the lions as the true king of their last abode. As well, conflict with villagers continues, and lions have been poached and poisoned in the past. Asiatic lions live in India’s Gir Forest National Park in the state of Gujarat. They are known as the “king of the jungle” and are synonymous with strength, might, and courage. Lions, tigers and leopards living in same region on Earth for first time in 27 years after big cat returns 'This certainly is a surprise for us,' says state's chief of forest conservation Do Lions and Tigers Live in the Same Habitat? (02/14/2011) The new theatrical film, The Last Lions does not open, as one would expect, with a shot of lions or even an African panorama. Lion populations have fallen from 450,000 to 20,000 in 50 years. Other names, such as "Mountain Lion", are a bit of a misnomer, as cougars do not live strictly in mountainous areas, nor are they true lions. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com. In the last twenty years alone, the lion population is believed to have declined by 30 percent, prompting the species to be listed as Vulnerable on the IUNC Red List. Some nicknames, like "Ghost Cat", describe the characteristics of the animal, as they slink silently through the forest while prowling for food. Such a listing would make it illegal to bring lion parts in the country, including those killed by recreational trophy hunters. While the dramatic story of the The Last Lions follows the perils and tragedies of lion motherhood in one of the world’s last untouched places—the Okavango Delta—this statistic hangs over the film, reminding us that the story we are witnessing is on the verge of extinction. Lions are often called “King of the Jungle”, and although they do not actually live in … Lions once roamed much of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but they have disappeared from 94% of their historic range and live mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. Almost all of these regal cats live on a small nature reserve — along side villages, cattle herds, Hindu temples and a railroad. The population is between 16,000 and 47,000 but the trend is to decrease again. Ranchers may kill lions either as a preventative measure to protect their livestock or in retaliation. Research has shown that in 21 years, unfenced lion populations have decreased by 62%, while fenced populations have only declined by 11%. There are fewer than 25,000 African lions remaining and about 650 Asiatic lions. What Are The Differences Between Asiatic Lions And African Lions? Recently, the demand for lion bone has increased due to its use as a substitute for tiger bone in traditional Asian medicine. In the 19th century, the lions were confined to the Gir Forest National Park. So do its elephants. (03/23/2011) PUMA, the sporting goods brand, and its parent company PPR will offset their 2010 carbon dioxide emissions by purchasing carbon credits generated through conservation of wildlife habitat in Kenya. They hunt in the dark to stay cool, and they can eat up to 70 pounds of meat in one sitting -- an advantage for any carnivore living in an environment as hot and dry as the African savanna. Tigers and lions do not live in the same habitat. hbspt.cta.load(5981609, 'ffe07749-0055-4a95-85b3-bce123fc330c', {}); Mongabay is a U.S.-based non-profit conservation and environmental science news platform. Nearly all wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asiatic lions exists in India's Gir Forest. Lions prefer to live near rivers or their tributaries, because of constant water supply. Fences help keep the animals in and people out. “To manage potential conflict with local communities, NABU will set up a dedicated conservation fund.” NABU has been working in the region since 2006. A pride usually consists of related female lions, their offspring and a small number of male lions. While African lion populations have declined by around 43% from 1993 to 2014, four southern African countries — Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe — saw an increase during the same time. The Asiatic lions are now mainly found in the Gir Forest National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat. It came as no surprise when, in 201… In fact, the colour of the eyes is the way to differentiate between white lions and albino lions. However, there is a small population of Asiatic lions living in India within the Gir Forest National Park, a wildlife sanctuary. Lions are perhaps one of the most popular and iconic creatures on Earth, with their distinct, flowing manes and fierce hunting prowess. But, you won’t find lions in Europe any longer, they’ve become extinct in these areas. Lions have vanished from 90% of their historic range. Currently, there are more than 600 individuals in the area. Lions have evolved camouflaging patterns, stealth-based hunting techniques and vocal communications to adapt to their grassland habitats. A lion’s story, an interview with the filmmakers of, Agroforestry-grown coffee gives Amazon farmers a sustainable alternative, Indonesia’s top palm oil deforesters are the usual shady suspects: Report, Rescue of rare white tarsier raises fears of habitat loss, illegal pet trade. There are only several hundred Asiatic lions in the wild, and they only live in the Gir Forest, India, in an area that is smaller than Greater London. Although mighty, lions are gravely imperiled: habitat loss, prey depletion, hunting, poisonings, and conflict with humans have decimated Africa’s lions. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), lions are considered vulnerable to extinction. The reserve is home to at least 106 woody plants, 100 birds, and 48 mammals. What cats live in the rainforest? “We are delighted with this news and look forward to studying these exceptional animals in their unusual habitat,” said NABU’s Vice-President Thomas Tennhardt in a press release. Female lion peers through the thick foliage of a montane rainforest in Ethiopia. Except for a small population of the Indian lion subspecies that remains in the Gir Forest of northwest India, lions now live only in Africa, from the Sahara's southern fringe to northern South Africa. While conservation work to save the species is on-going in Africa, efforts have now moved to the US as well, where a coalition of conservation groups are filing a petition with the US Department of the Interior to list lions as ‘endangered’ under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Do Lions and Tigers Ever Live in the Same Habitat? Calling the African lion (Panthera leo) the ‘king of the jungle’ is usually a misnomer, as the species is almost always found in savannah or dry forests, but recent photos by the Germany-based Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) document lions in Ethiopian rainforests. Overfishing and finning has cut some shark populations down by 90 percent in just a few decades. Though humpback whales have rebounded since whaling was banned, they are still far from historic numbers. A male lion is rebuffed by a lioness in the grassland habitat of Masai Mara, Kenya. Our biweekly podcast delivering news & inspiration from nature’s frontline. However, some experts speculate that East African lion populations have a 37% chance of shrinking by 50% over the next two decades. This is not because they are thirsty, but because they know prey animals will come to drink sooner or later. Fortunately, parts of Africa and India have seen an increase in lion populations, and several conservation projects are in place to help prevent further population decline. Our EIN or tax ID is 45-3714703. In Africa, they live on the plains … Lions once roamed much of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but they have disappeared from 94% of their historic range. (10/20/2011) In the wild, the Asiatic lion subspecies (Panthera leo persica) survives only in India’s Gir Forest National Park in the north-western state of Gujarat with a population of just over 400 individuals. Located in the Gir Forest, the remaining lion population in India is tiny, with only about 250 animals left to roam. While albino lions do exist, white lions are a separate subset of lions. They can lay patiently in wait until dinnertime.