Understanding The Two Lion Subspecies (Asiatic and African Lions)

Lions are a global symbol of power and strength. Their signature mane, earth shattering roar, and powerful frame earn them the deserved title of ‘king of the jungle’ (despite primarily living in savannas). However within the species of lion there are two subspecies, the African and Asiatic lions.

While both types of lion closely resemble each other, there are distinct differences in terms of size, habitat, behavior, and appearance. The key distinctions between African and Asiatic lions are:

Let’s take a closer look at each subspecies of lion, examining the similarities and differences between both.

African Lions

African lions are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. They most commonly live in open savannas, but also occupy grasslands and woodlands. They are a highly social animal, with prides ranging from a few dozen lions to upwards of 40. The most common pride size is 20-30.

Despite their position atop the food chain, and the imposing role prides play in their habitats, African Lions are considered ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN. Some parts of Africa go a step further and consider the animal critically endangered because of their still declining populations. With an estimated 20,000 – 25,000 remaining African Lions on earth today the distinction hardly matters. The King of The Jungle is becoming an increasingly challenged species, even on their home terrain.

Asiatic Lions

Even more rare than African Lions, Asiatic lions can only be found in India. The subspecies is confined to a small region in the Gir National Park. Asiatic lions are less social than African lions. Their prides tend to be smaller, numbering as few as 10 lions. In contrast with African Lions, where a single male typically dominates the pride, Asiatic lions have 2-3 dominant females that mate with multiple males.

Asiatic Lions are an endangered species. The IUCN red list places them among the most at risk species on earth. Population estimates range from 600-700 Asian lions on the entire planet. This population remains under pressure from poaching and habitat loss.

The Main Differences

Both Asiatic and African lions belong to the Panthera genus. Each subspecies has distinct differences in size, habitat, behavior, and appearance.

Size

While both lion types are imposing, African lions are the larger of the two subspecies. Males can weigh anywhere from 330 – 550lbs. Females weigh an average of 345 lbs. Males stand at nearly 4ft tall, while females are 3 – 3.5 ft shoulder height. The largest African lion ever recorded weighed a massive 827 pounds and measured an impressive 11 feet long.

Despite it’s smaller size, the Asiatic Lion is still impressive. Males weigh a sturdy 350-450 pounds. Female lions weigh between 240-360 pounds. They stand at a shoulder height of 3.5-4 feet for males and 2.6-3.5 feet for females. The average length of these lions is 5.57 feet to 8.2 feet for males and 4.6 to 5.74 feet for females. The largest recorded Asiatic lion measured an impressive 9.7 feet from nose to tail.

When running at full speed these species can sprint at over 40mph. Imagine seeing an animal that size barreling as fast as a car!

Habitat

Asiatic lions have an extremely restricted habitat. These lions can only be found in the Gir Forest National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat. This park is a protected area and is considered one of the last strongholds of the Asiatic lion. The park’s terrain is a mixture of dry deciduous forest and savanna grasslands, providing an ideal habitat for these big cats.

On the other hand, African lions are native to the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. They can be found in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. These magnificent big cats thrive in open habitats with access to water, plenty of grasses, and bushes to hide in.

Behavior

Prey

Asiatic lions have specific hunting styles due to their location. Since they can only be found in one national park, they have a smaller range of prey to choose from. The most common prey for Asiatic lions is chital deer, which weigh only about 110 pounds. Asiatic lions have also been known to eat wild boar and antelope. 

African lions are known for their impressive hunting abilities and their tendency to go after larger prey. In their native habitats of sub-Saharan Africa, these big cats hunt and scavenge for wildebeests, zebras, and buffalos. The African lion’s prey ranges in weight from 600 to 2000 pounds, with buffalos being one of their favorite meals. Successfully catching these animals requires a highly coordinated hunt.

Prides

Asiatic lions have a distinct approach to socializing. As opposed to the pride structure of African lions, male Asiatic lions tend to move about in smaller, solitary pairs. They only join forces with females during mating or when working together to hunt larger prey. This independence allows them to claim larger territories and hunt without any limitations.

On the other hand, African lions have a unique social structure centered around the pride. A “pride” refers to a group of lions that live and hunt together, and it is typically composed of females. Prides are guarded by at least one male, who is responsible for safeguarding the females and fending off any potential dangers. This male plays a vital role in maintaining the pride’s stability and ensuring the survival of the cubs.

Appearance

Beyond bodily dimensions, Asiatic and African lions differ with distinct manes, stomach shape, tufts, and head shape.

Mane

When considering Manes there are three important facts to keep in mind. Firstly, only male lions have manes. Secondly, the growth of a mane begins at puberty. Lastly, manes can differ greatly in terms of color and size, both between different populations and within the same population.

A lion’s mane is its most recognizable feature, and the African and Asiatic lions have distinctively different manes. Asiatic lion manes are much sparser, darker, and less developed compared to the mane of African lions. It’s also usually shorter, leaving the Asiatic lion’s ears more visible.

African lions have a fuller and more prominent mane that covers their entire head and cascades down their shoulders. This luxurious mane is often more abundant, with a thicker and longer growth of hair. The color of African lion manes can range from light tawny to black. Interestingly, the mane’s thickness and color can indicate the health and strength of the male.

Despite these differences, both subspecies of lions use their manes for similar purposes: to attract potential mates and intimidate rivals.

Stomach Shape / Skin Folds

Impressive skin folds, also known as the Primordial Pouch, are another feature that sets Asiatic lions apart from their cousins. They have a striking longitudinal fold of skin under their bellies that runs the length of their bodies. These skin folds are believed to offer an additional layer of underbelly protection for this subspecies. Many domestic house cats also have a primordial pouch.

On the other hand, African lions do not have skin folds. Instead, they have a smooth belly, contributing to their regal and powerful look.

Tail and Elbow Tufts

Asiatic lions have a more pronounced and flamboyant style of tail hair and elbow hair. These fluffs of hair can extend a few inches off of the joint. The tail tuft of an Asiatic lion is particularly striking, covering a large area and adding to the lion’s silhouette. The exact function of this tuft is still unknown.

On the other hand, African lions sport a more understated look. They have minimal tufts of hair on their elbows and tails, giving them a sleeker appearance and placing greater emphasis on their mane.

Head Shape

Asiatic lions possess remarkable characteristics in their skull structure: bifurcated infraorbital foramina. These tiny openings in the skull ensure the smooth flow of blood and protect the nerves of the eyes. Their heads are traditionally narrower than African lions, measuring 9-10′ in width and 13 – 13.5′ in length.

African lions, in contrast, have only a single infraorbital foramen, distancing them from their Asiatic counterparts. Their skulls are wider than Asiatic lions and measure 10-11 inches in width and 14.5-15′ in length. These are averages however. Male lions of both species have wider and longer skulls than females. Differences in skull size within a population set can vary by more than between subspecies.

Conclusion

Asiatic and African lions have more similarities than differences. However the more closely you observe these two subspecies of lions the more distinctions you see. Appearance and habitat are the most readily obvious differences. The Asiatic Lion population is on the brink of collapse, with less than 1,000 believed to exist on earth today. Their narrow habitat in one region of India makes it very challenging to protect this incredible species.

While the African Lion is better known, larger, and has a larger population their population is similarly threatened. Even the apex predator of Africa is no match for habitat loss and poaching. Please do everything you can to support both of these animals by visiting the IUCN to educate yourself about these and other animals, and consider getting involved to save our species.