Land lions in south Asia

In South Asia, the last remaining population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) is found in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India. These lions are smaller than their African counterparts and have a distinctive fold of skin along their bellies. Conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers from a mere 20 individuals in the early 20th century to over 600 today. They are a key species in the region's ecosystem and represent a significant conservation success story.