Context: The Union Enviornment Ministry and National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) have recently decided to re-examine the entire aspect of translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno from an expert’s perspective”.
About Asiatic Lion
- The Asiatic lion, also known as the Indian lion or Persian lion, is a population of Panthera leo leo that currently survives in the wild only in India.
- Habitat: They live in a compact tract of dry deciduous forest and open grassy scrublands.
- Distribution (subheading)
- Historically, it inhabited much of the Middle East to northern India.
- Since the turn of the 20th century, its range has been restricted to Gir National Park and the surrounding areas in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Characteristics
- They are slightly smaller than African lions.
- The most striking morphological character is a longitudinal fold of skin running along the belly.
- The colour of their fur varies from buffish-grey with occasional silvery tones, to ruddy-tawny, covered with black spots.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
- State Animal of Gujarat
About Gir National Park
- Location: Gir is a dry deciduous forest ecosystem in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is the abode of the last surviving population of the free ranging Asiatic Lion
- Flora: It consists of teak with an admixture of deciduous trees, including sal, dhak, and thorn forests.
- Fauna: Asiatic lions, leopards, wild pigs, spotted deer, nilgai, four-horned antelope, and chinkaras.
