Do you know what is the grandeur and pride of Gujarat ? The answer is the Asiatic lion of the ‘GIR’.
The Asiatic lion is also known by the different names like “Vanraj”, “Savage”, “Shardool”,” Kesari” and “Untiyo” in local vernacular language. The height of a male Asiatic lion is about 260 cm. to 270 cm. The weight of a male lion is about 150 kg. to 170 kg. while the weight of a lioness is about 110 kg. To 139 kg. The Asiatic lion enters the adolescence period at the age of two years while the lioness (female) becomes an adult at the age of three and a half.
The conception period of a lioness is generally 105 to 110 days. Usually, an Asiatic lioness gives birth to two or four cubs. For the Asiatic lion, generally, a mating period is from October to December. https://wildstreakofnature.com/gu/the-asiatic-lion-of-gir-is-the-pride-of-india/The life of the lion, living in the forest is generally 12 to 15 years.
The Asiatic lion looks a little reddish with a tinge of greyish shade. The front part of the head of this animal is somewhat heavy and the rear part of the body is a little thin. The tail of a lion is thick and long and the ears are somewhat small. Mostly we find thick mane around its neck which is its special identity.
The Asiatic lions are found only in India and especially in Gujarat (Gir) in the whole continent of Asia. Really it is the pride of Gujarat.in Gujarat, the particular place for their abode is the “Gir”. In the past many many years ago the Asiatic lions were found only in the Asiatic countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria and nearby places like Pakistan and northwest of India,
South east and north of the Narmada i.e Reva. Generally, the Asiatic lions prefer to live in the places with dry leaves and thorny prickly shrubby areas on the roadsides with an open field. In summer they like to live in such places where the pools of water are nearby. Where the water is easily available. The being or presence of a lion can be determined by its foot prinys (footsteps).
Its roar and discharged excrement. Firstly this species came into existence in Central Europe. Then they migrated to Africa and India. The Asiatic lions are found in two places i.e Gir – Gujarat and South Africa. Though there is some difference between African lions and Asiatic lions. As the African lions are big in size and heavier in weight.
The mane of the African lion is thicker than that of Asiatic lion. The mane of the African is full and thick. The ending part of the tail of the African lion is smaller than that of the Asiatic lion’s tail. Moreover, The hair on the knee, the skin of the belly, and the habits are quite different of both species.
Though the Asiatic lion is smaller than the huge bodied elephant, the lion can defeat this huge and strong elephant because of its alertness and strong body. With a view to saving the Asiatic lion, the people of the world are very much worried. The Govt. of India and the people of Gujarat are also very much worried because the number of lions is decreasing day by day.
The lion the ‘Kesari’ of ‘Sorath’ is the pride and grandeur not only of India but also of the whole continent of Asia. Every Gujarati is proud of the Asiatic lion and the lioness are safe in this state of Gujarat.
