Panthera leo persica

Panthera leo persica, commonly known as the Asiatic lion, is a subspecies of lion native to the Indian subcontinent. It is slightly smaller than its African relatives and has a distinctive thick, darker mane. Once widespread across Persia, India, and parts of the Middle East, it now survives mainly in Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India, due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts have helped its population recover somewhat, but it remains critically endangered. The Asiatic lion plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystems of its habitat, and protecting it is essential for biodiversity.