Asian Lion
The Asiatic lion (panthera leo persica) finds habitat in Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat in India. It is possible to see Indian Lion at Lion Safari at Gir. There have
been efforts made to relocate a small number of pride to another park to Kuno Palpur
Wildlife Sanctuary in order to give the big cat a new home. However the plan has not been implementde yet.
The Asian Lion grows to a height of approximately 90cm , with their length ranging
from 200 - 280cm. Their tail reaches upto length of 60 -
90cm. Lions weigh between 200 - 275kgs. Their main prey species consist
of Blue Bull, Chital, Sambhar, Goats, Buffaloes and occasionally also other smaller
animals. The lions of Gir have made it a habit of killing livestock and sometimes
even camels.
Their breeding takes place in winter months of October
and November. The gestation period is of 3 1/2 months approx ninety plus day. The female gives birth to a litter 3 to 4 cubs. The lionesses mates about two years of age.
Asiatic males do not have very large mane which is totally absent in females. They have a bushier overall coat and longer tufts at the end of tail and on elbow joints . The big cats live in large herds called a pride. These prides can reach upto forty in numbers and at time are commaned by two or three males.The females hunt in groups while the makes laze around.,
The bonding of the pride is extremely strong and they hunt in unison and rare their cubs together after some age. The dominant male is the true leader of the pride and young males are pushed out to carve their own territories.
The number of lions in Girl National Park in India is little more than 300 animals. The conservation has been successful and the preserve cannot sustain the increasing numbers of India. In open season Asiatic Lion Safari is organized in the reserve for tourists in order to see the big cat in the wild.
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