When : August 10th every year

Why : Raise awareness on lions

Since :2013

By : WWF

MAHITI FOR PRELIMS : LIONS IN INDIA

• India is home to majestic Asiatic Lion, who inhabit protected territory of Sasan-Gir National Park.
• Asiatic lion is scientifically called as Panthera leo persica. They are approximately 110 cm in height. They have been listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and are considered as Endangered species on IUCN Red List. Weight of Adult males is in between 160 to 190 kg and that of female is in between 110 to 120 kg.
• Threat to lions : Asiatic lions face significant threats of poaching and threat of genetic inbreeding. WWF has also recorded instances of deaths of lions as a result of falling into unguarded wells around Gir.
• Population of Asiatic Lions: In 2020, population of Asiatic lions has surged by almost 29% in Gujarat’s Gir forests. The distribution area of lions has also increased by 36%.