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Asiatic Lions
Why is it in News?
- Maharashtra Government requests Telangana to transfer two pairs of breeding lions to increase the animal population at Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Details:
- Currently, there are three sibling lions in SGNP.
- Since inbreeding of wild cats is not allowed by the Central Zoo authority, SGNP has requested for a breeding pair of lions.
- Asiatic Lion:
(1) It is currently located in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
(2) It is categorized as ‘Endangered’ under IUCN list due to its small population size and area of occupancy.
(3) In June 2020, an estimation exercise counted 674 Asiatic lions in the Gir forest region, an increase of 29 per cent over the 2015 census figure.
(4) The Gir lion is similar in size to the Central African lion and smaller than large African lions.
(5) In general, the Asiatic lion differs from the African lion by a less developed mane.
(6) Asiatic lions mate foremost between October and November.
(7) During these days, they usually do not hunt, but only drink water. Gestation lasts about 110 days.