African Lion
Lions currently occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Only an isolated population of 350 critically endangered Asian Lions is left in Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, India. African Lion populations are higher in numbers but suffer from steady decrease. The main threats include over-hunting and habitat loss.
Conservation
■ Lion is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1996.
■ African Lion is managed under the EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme), it is coordinated by Givskud Zoo, Denmark.
■ Lion is listed in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, or Washington Convention).
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Chordata – chordates
■ Class Mammalia – mammals
■ Order Carnivora – carnivores
■ Family Felidae – cats
■ Species Panthera leo – Lion
African and Asian Lions belong to one species Panthera leo. Asian Lions represent a separate subspecies P. l. persica. The classification of African Lion subspecies is still unclear.
Our supporters and partners
