INDIAN LION The Asiatic or Indian Lion (Panthera leo persia) used to occur in Persia and Iraq as well as in most parts of the northeast and north of the sub-continent of India. But since 1884, they have survived only in what is now Gujarat State, and owe their survival to the former rulers of the princely state of Junagarh.

At the beginning of the present century there were probably only 100 lions left in the Gir Forest: in a 1950 census they were reported as numbering 240 and in a similar census in 1955 they had increased to 290. About 280 would be a reasonable estimate of their strength at the present time. The Indian lion is similar to its African cousin, but has some slight differences such as fewer spots visible when young and bigger tail tassels. Regarding their manes, male Indian lions all have manes whereas those in Africa are sometimes maneless. Regarding the size of manes, those in Africa are as a rule slightly larger, probably due to differences in habitat and elevation above the sea level. The Indian lion belongs to an ethnological stock distinct from the African lion.

Their habitat in Gujarat used to be 2,000 square miles, but this has now shrunk to some 500 square miles known as the Gir Forest. There are proposals to create a sanctuary or national park at this place. It is fitting that such a noble and majestic creature should be the national emblem of India.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India