GREEN STATUS ASSESSMENT FOR THE LION ( UPSC Prelims)

News Context

The IUCN has published the inaugural Green Status Assessment for the Lion (Panthera leo).

About First Green Status assessment for the Lion

Lion’s Green Status: Classified as ‘largely depleted’.
Extinct Regions: Found to be extinct in North Africa and Southwest Asia.
Conservation Success: Notable success in conservation efforts in certain areas of West and Southern Central Africa, South Africa, and India.

Difference between Asiatic and African Lions

Here is a paraphrased version of the content with important terms highlighted:

Parameters Asiatic Lion African Lion
Current Habitat Primarily found in Gir National Park, India Located in Sub-Saharan Africa (savannas/grasslands)
Mane (Males) Has a sparser and shorter mane; ears are almost always visible. Features a fuller and denser mane; often covers the ears and neck.
Belly Fold Exhibits a distinctive longitudinal skin fold along the belly (common). Usually absent
Body Size Slightly smaller than African lions. Generally larger than Asiatic Lions.

Parameters	Asiatic Lion	African Lion
Current Habitat	Primarily found in Gir National Park, India	Located in Sub-Saharan Africa (savannas/grasslands)
Mane (Males)	Has a sparser and shorter mane; ears are almost always visible.	Features a fuller and denser mane; often covers the ears and neck.
Belly Fold	Exhibits a distinctive longitudinal skin fold along the belly (common).	Usually absent
Body Size	Slightly smaller than African lions.	Generally larger than Asiatic Lions.

Other Characteristics: No particular breeding season.

Conservation: 'Project Lion' was introduced on August 15, 2020, with the Greater Gir Concept aimed at extending lion habitats beyond the Gir region to include areas such as Girnar, Pania, and Mitiyala.
Note: According to the changes made in the 'Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022', species included in the CITES Appendices are now categorized under Schedule IV of the Act.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda is becoming a new habitat for Asiatic Lions. It is situated in the Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts of Gujarat. The region's significant plant species include Gorad, Babul, Dhav, Rayan, Ber, Jamun, Amli, Dhudhlo, and Bamboo. Important animal species found here are Sambar, chital, and chinkara.