The majestic Asiatic Lions are today found in the Gir forests of Gujarat in India. The Asiatic Lion is synonymous with the Indian Lion. It is scientifically called Panthera Leo and this royal animal is inscribed in the National Emblem of India.
After the ferocious tiger, Asiatic Lion is the second largest `Big Cat` in the world. A fully-grown up lion weighs up to one hundred and fifty kilograms to two hundred and fifty kilograms. The tail of the Indian Lion bears a dark tuft of fur at end. The lioness is smaller in size when compared to a male and reaches a height of eighty to one hundred and seven centimeters. The males are orange- yellow to dark brown in colour while the skin colour of the females is sandy or tawny. Males have a mane, which is dark in colour and is rarely found in dark colour. This mane is absent in females. The mane of the Asiatic Lion is shorter than that of the African Lion.
Indian Lions are gregarious who are found in large groups known as `prides`. A common pride consists of fifteen members, which include lionesses, their cubs, and a few males. Male lions establish their pride`s territories by roaring and by fiercely defending it. The lionesses and the cubs eat the leftovers of the food. Asiatic Lions also hunt in groups and are rarely seen hunting a prey in isolation.
The Asiatic Lions inhabit in open grasslands and forests of India including the scrub jungles. They are carnivorous and depend on hunting for food. The prey of the Asiatic Lion consists of Deer, Antelope, Wild Boar and Wild Buffalo. They also live on young hippopotamus and elephants. The male lions mature at five years of age and the lionesses mature at the age of four years. There is no particular mating season of the Indian Lions.
The Asiatic Lions are highly endangered species and have become more or less extinct and are found only in the Indian subcontinent.
