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The Asiatic Lion is one of the feline species that is on the verge of extinction. They live in the Indian territory of death. On the ground under this name, the soil is very dry. It is so strongly affected by the sun's rays that it is almost petrified. The animals that live here are simply doomed to a constant struggle for survival. There are lizards, foxes and donkeys. In addition to lions, jaguars also inhabit this area.
Asian lions are often also called Indian, as they live in India. The territory of this lifeless land is huge, it extends more than 10 thousand kilometers. Here are the deserts called Gujarat and Rajasthan. Thickets of shrubs can be seen extremely rarely. How do some species of animals, including Asiatic lions, survive here? What do these animals look like, which are rightly called the biggest representatives of the cat? How do they differ from other species?
View history
Archaeologists claim that in ancient times, these animals lived everywhere. They are in the biblical stories, and in the historical information about ancient Rome. But over time, these animals chose India as their habitat, where they settled in the desert. They were at that time quite numerous. By the 20th century, critically few individuals remained, the benefit of those who were not indifferent to nature were able to increase their numbers and prevent extinction. Why are they on the verge of extinction? Blame substandard drugs that were used in India in those years. The lions simply did not survive the vaccination, which was carried out with good intentions. There are other versions as to why the abundance of the species declined so dramatically. This is an uncontrolled hunt in a colonial country, an increase in population, economic activity. Today, this animal is the pride of India.
Appearance
Their weight significantly exceeds the weight of other lions and tigers. An adult male can weigh about 250 kg on average. This is the maximum limit of their weight. Females are much smaller. Their weight fluctuates, as a rule, in the range of 95-150 kg. Another feature that distinguishes the representatives of this species of feline from other relatives is body length. There are recorded data that one of the males has grown in length to 3 m. But this figure is more an exception than the norm. Usually, the length of the body varies from 2.3 to 2.4 m. The color of these animals is standard. The only exception is the appearance of the mane. If it is disheveled in other lions, then in the Asiatic it is like a sleek body. His ears are also covered with thick hair. This is also a distinctive feature of the form.
The height of the animal at the withers is about 1 m, the maximum is 107 cm. Among Indian lions there are individuals with slightly different coloring. Tones can range from sandy with a shade of gray to a shade of red brick.
Where dwell
Today, due to the small number of these animals, there is an opportunity to see only in one place on the planet - this is the Geer Reserve, located in the state of Gujarat in India.These lions are very fond of low-growing forests with numerous shrubs, alternating flat terrain. They choose to live a place where there is a pond nearby.
In 2011, the number of individuals was 411 thanks to the efforts of the authorities.
Lifestyle
Indian lions are very ferocious predators that usually hunt large ungulates. They are considered social animals, as they live in so-called prides. Pride is a family group of animals. African lions are also going to such prides. But, if in the family of the African lion there are about 25-30 individuals, then in the pride of the Indian lion there are 8-12 animals, including cubs. This can be explained by the fact that they produce less food than African lions. Some of them usually hunt about 6 lionesses, while others only 2. Females are doilers, bringing food to the whole family.
The head of the pride of the Asiatic lions is the old female. She has a lot of experience in the hunt, and gets the most food. As a result, it is the eldest female that has the largest sizes. Her duty is to feed the babies, as well as protection from attack. In such a pride males do not live permanently.They come during the breeding season, as well as when they get very hungry.
Nutrition
Indian lions are very skilled hunters. They do not pursue the victim, but attack unexpectedly, trapping the prey.
They feed on large ungulates. For example, wild boars, deer, and also antelopes. They can attack buffaloes, gazelles and even livestock. The prey that Asian lions hunt is somewhat inferior in size to that of African lions. Their weapons are strong jaws and claws. They can eat even the large bones of animals. After saturation, lions usually rest.
Breeding
Mating can occur at any time of the year. Therefore, even in the same pride you can see lion cubs of different ages. Pregnancy lasts 3.5 months. Before giving birth, the female goes to a cave or other quiet place. She has 2-5 babies. Their body length is 30 cm, and the wool has a spotty color. Gradually, it disappears, but some spots can disappear only after the animal reaches puberty. In captivity, they live for about 25 years.
Security
Increasing the number of species was not an easy task. These animals should not be crossed with other lions. Indeed, in this case, genetic integrity will be compromised.
The state authorities in which the Geer Reserve is located do not transfer these animals to other reserves or parks. Since the view is unique, the state supports the reserve, provides financially. When Indian lions begin to breed in other territories, the support program will be reduced. Today, the number of individuals, although slowly, is growing. Therefore, it is assumed that some of the animals, over time, will move out of the reserve.
In the culture of India, unity with nature is of great importance.Therefore, people do not destroy lions for profit or fun.
Video: Asian lion (Panthera leo persica)
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