Asiatic lion

The pride size of Asiatic lions is smaller than that of African lions. The difference is thought to be because the Asian lion's prey is smaller and therefore it doesn't take as many lions to kill a prey.

The pride usually consists of two females, one male and a number of cubs. The male is not socialised in the same way as the African lion. A male Asian lion is primarily with the pride to mate or when sharing larger prey.

Lions prefer to hunt at night. During the day, they like to rest in a shady place.

Newborn lion cubs have spotted skin that acts as camouflage. When the cubs are 6-8 weeks old, they become part of the pride. All females in the pride look after the cubs and are happy to let unfamiliar cubs nurse with them. Lion cubs usually suckle with their mother for about six months. After about a month and a half, the cubs start to show interest in meat by licking it a little, but they don't necessarily eat it yet.

  • Distribution: Gir forest in north-west India
  • Population: The Asiatic lion has lost much of its natural habitat as massive population growth in India has resulted in much of its former habitat being converted to farmland. In 2012, the population consisted of approximately 350 animals living in a 1,412 square kilometre protected area of the Gir forest in India, but the population is growing and now stands at around 700 individuals. As the range of the Asiatic lion is very limited, it is also very vulnerable to external factors such as floods, forest fires and disease
  • Weight: Male: 160-190kg. Female: 110-120 kilos
  • Shoulder height: 90-100 centimetres
  • Body length: 1.5-2.5 metres
  • Sexual maturity: Male: from 5-6 years of age. Female: from 3-4 years of age
  • Gestation: Approximately 110 days
  • Number of chicks: Usually 2-4
  • Food: Deer and antelope
  • Zoo menu: Horse meat, pig hearts, rabbit and more. Each individual receives around 20kg of meat, bones and skin every week. In addition, they receive vitamin/mineral powder
  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years. In zoos up to 25 years
  • Latin name: Panthera leo persica

See other predators here

Sumatran tiger
African wild dog
Isbjorn