According to Wikipedia, until the late Pleistocene, 10000 years ago, lion was the most widespread large mamal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, accross Eurasia- from Western Europe to India and in East Asia. The Persian lion, once a royal symbol in ancient Persia, is now exinct in Iran. In ancient Egypt, lion was associated with death and rebirth. King Tut's tomb held a sphinx statue and many artwork depicting lions. Ancient China held lions in high esteem, although the animal was never indegenous species of that country. Stories of lions were carried along the Silk Route from Iran, Afganistan and by the Buddists who traveled from India; and lions were placed in front of many important palaces and was regarded as the "ninth son of the dragon".
Now, a small population of lions exist in Sub-Saharan Africa and a critically endangered population of Asiatic lions exists in the Gir National Forest in Gujarat, India. In September 2006, Conde Nast Traveler published a wonderful report titled "Where are all the Lions Gone?" on the status of African Lions- read it at: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10417?pageNumber=5&all=yes
The number of remaining lions in India is estimated to be little over 300. The population had dwildled to 20 in the early 1900, but conservation effort in the last century has resulted in some increase in population. However, large number of deaths have also been reported in the Gir forest in the recent years, which has alarmed the conservationists. A debate to resettle a part of the lion population in Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has not yet been settled. Asiatic lion adorns India's national emblem- based on a sculpture created by Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC. It was India's national animal, until 1973 when it was replaced with the tiger.
Some interesting facts about lions-
a) lions spend much of their time resting. They are inactive for about 20 hours in a day. Their activity usually peaks after dusk. They spend about two hours in a day walking and 50 minutes eating.
b) lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride usually consists on related females, several offsprings and a small number of adult males. Social licking and head rubbing are their favorite pastime while resting.
c) lions are only members of the cat family to exhibit sexual dimorphism- males and females look distinctly different
d) lionesses do most of the hunting for the pride- being smaller, swifter and without the heavy and conspicuous mane
e) lions occasionally breed with tigers, to produce ligers and tigons
Lions are fighting an uphill battle, particularly in India. The cause for near-extinction is mostly conflict with humans. Lions are fearless and move around in groups. Ever since guns were invented, they were sitting ducks to humans. First there were the "hunters" who hunted for pleasure, then they have been replaced with poachers. Urbanization has been a death knell to many animal species, including lions. A lion was found crushed to death on the bank of the Hiran river in Gujarat, when it fell from a bridge 60 feet high, apparently because it was either hit or scared by a car in to the fatal jump. Loss of habitat is another obvious reason. An interesting observation was made by my friend's octogenarian father, who once said- "tigers drove away the lions". There might be a real truth behind this apparently light comment. Tigers share the same habitat with the lions, but are far more stealthy and cunning. They also do not move around in groups. In the Suderbans, which is the habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, there is a folk belief that if you "see" a tiger, you do not live to tell the story.
And, finally, a familiar paradox of Indian governmental funding and budgetary allocation- while tiger population has reduced in Maharastra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh inspite of huge funding for conservation effort, the population of lions in Gujarat has increased, even with the paltry sum allocated for conservation. The credit surely goes to the wildlife authorities and local people of that state, who made it one of the most significant success stories of wildlife conservation. Wishing lions a happy and safe future, and hope Goddess Durga continues to bless this majestic animal so that it lives the earth for many centuries to come.
