Lions are one of the most iconic wild cats and wild animals in the world today. They are most famously associated with Africa, however, the African Lion isn't the only species of Lion in the world today.
There are two subspecies of Lions today:
. The Pantera leo leo Lion
This includes the Asiatic Lion. It also includes the now extinct Barbary Lion.
. The Panthera leo melanochaita Lion
This includes the now extinct Cape Lion.
Most Lions that survive today are African Lions, Asiatic Lions are very rare.
What Is The Population Of Lions Today?
In total, the population of Lions today is estimated to be between 23,000 and 39,000 animals, though it seems more likely that the Lion population today is closer to 23,000 animals. The vast majority of them are in Africa. The Asiatic Lion population is only 523 individual Lions. Due to their very small population, Asiatic Lions are an endangered species, though their population is stable.
On the other hand, the population of African Lions is decreasing.
The Conservation Status Of Both Lions
The African Lion is classed as being 'vulnerable'. This means that African Lions are vulnerable extinction today. What also makes these amazing big cats vulnerable to extinction is the fact that their population is decreasing.
The Asiatic Lion is classed as being 'endangered'. This means that they are very close to extinction and are more at risk of extinction than African Lions. Though, the good news is that their population is not decreasing.
What Is The Habitat Of Lions In The Wild?
Lions have various different habitats in the wild. They can be found in a wide variety of different habitats, including: forests, grasslands, savana, desert and shrubland.
What Are The Threats Lions Face Today?
Lions face many threats today and these threats could cause their extinction. Some of these threats that Lions face today are unique to Africa, such as civil unrest and wars across the continent. But they also face many threats that other species of animals face in the wild today, such as: being hunted, their habitat being destroyed, pollution and invasive species.
What Was The Population Of Lions Before?
The Lion population wasn't always as low as it is today, the Lion population used to be much higher: in the 1800's, the Lion population was 1.2 MILLION Lions in the world, contrast that with today's estimated low Lion population (23,000 Lions) and it becomes apparent how many Lions humans have destroyed. The Lion population has declined by 43% in just 21 years.
How Can You Help Lions?
There are several ways that you can help Lions today.
These are some ways that you can help Lions:
. Donate to the African Wildlife Foundation to help Lions here!
. Adopt a Lion with the WWF here!
. Adopt a Lion with Born Free here!