Endangered Lions

Lions rule the forest in which they live, and are nicknamed "the King of the Jungle". They are found in the grassy plains, savannahs, open woodlands, and scrub country. They are the only social member of the cat family, and live in large groups called "Prides". Each "Pride" consists of about 15 lions made up from related females and their young ones.

Historically, Lions were found in wide areas ranging from Africa to Greece through the Middle East to northern India. Today, in Africa, they can be seen only in the south Sahara desert, and in some parts of southern and eastern Africa. Their numbers have become half since 1950s, and fewer than 21,000 of them are in the wild in all of Africa.

The Asiatic lions are classified into three categories, Bengal, Arabian, and Persian lions. They are mainly found in the Gir national park in India. Recently, 411 Asiatic lions were spotted in the Gir forest.

Lions vary in color, but they typically have light yellow-brown coats. Mature male African lions have thick brown or black manes that encircle their neck and protect them while fighting. In male Asiatic lions, manes are generally shorter than that of the African lions, which make their ears more visible.

Asiatic lions are generally smaller than African lions. The most remarkable difference is the long fold of skin running along the Asiatic lion's belly, which is rarely found on the African lion.

All the species of lions can attain a height of 4 feet, and can grow to a length of 5 to 8 feet. They weigh around 330 to 500 pounds, and have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. They can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour, while running for short distances.

They mate throughout the year. The gestation period is 110 to 120 days, after which the female lion normally delivers 3 to 4 cubs. The young cubs remain in the mother's protection for two years as they are vulnerable to predation by hyenas, leopards, and black-backed Jackals.

Lions are nocturnal animals, which work in teams to stalk and ambush their prey. They feed on a wide variety of animals. It includes deer, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, wild dogs, impala, antelope, gazelle, wild boar, water buffalo, and the livestock. Sometimes they feed on rhinos and hippopotamus, as well as on smaller animals such as birds, hares, and reptiles. They are also known to attack elephants during food-scarcity.

Causes of endangerment of Lions

The endangered lions are threatened from climate change. Global warming gives rise to droughts, and brings in a phenomenon called "co-infection". There are periodic outbreaks of the disease distemper. The distemper outbreaks in 1994 and 2001 brought death to many lions, which were caused due to the occurrence of a severe drought.

Moreover, threats from human beings such as population expansion and occupation of lands for agricultural use have caused habitat loss to the endangered lions. Hunting of lions for sport, poaching, and poisoning by livestock ranchers to kill them has made them endangered animals.

Therefore, conservation efforts from the government and the wildlife organizations are sought for the protection of the endangered lions.