Saturday, April 23, 2011

INDIAN LION

INDIAN LION
Classification
 
Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Genus : P.leo
Species: P. l. persica
Zoological name : P. l. persica
Found In : Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Lion Sanctuary in India


Indian Lion Physical appearance : Indian Lion is 8 -9 feet long and weighs around 200- 250 kg. It is 2.5 – 2.9 m tall. It has a majestic mane and a big tail tuft. It has large elbows. Total length of their tail ranges from 70 -105 cm.

Presence in India : Indian Lions are mostly found in North western and central parts of India and are easily spotted in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lion Sanctuary.

Habitat : Indian Lion prefers grasslands, shrub and open deciduous forests.

Diet : Indian Lion is carnivorous and feeds on Nilgai, Wild pig, Chital, Sambar, goats and camels.

Reproduction :Indian Lions reach the level of sexual maturity in 3- 4 years of age. Their breeding season rests between October to November. The gestation period rests for 31 – 2 months after which the females give birth to 3- 4 cubs.

Conservation status : Critically endangered. They are being widely killed by the tribal people for meat.

Lifespan : Longevity of the Indian Lion exceeds to 12 – 16 years. Females have longer lifespan than the males.

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