The lion (Panthera leo) is a member of the Felidae family and one of the largest species on the earth. The average weight of a lion is about between 300 and 550 pounds and can vary in color from light to dark reddish- brown. Surprisingly, the rare white lion is also found in the wild. They are easily recognized by their thick mane, and it is also muscular and has a loud, deafening roar.
It’s World Lion Day! Every year on August 10th, lion lovers around the world use this day to raise awareness about the declining lion population. 3 million years ago, lions roamed freely throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Today, only in Africa and Asia, they live freely in their natural habitat. In addition, some lions are bread in captivity .
In 2013, Derek and Beverly Jubert, co-founders of Big Cat Initiative and National Geographic, formed a partnership to establish World Lion Day. Also known as the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative, the partnership aims to protect these wildcats in their natural habitats. Furthermore, these measures also include safety measures within communities that are living near wildcats.
Lions are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Though they are not under the classification of an endangered species, they still face obstacles that endanger their survival.
Currently, there are around 20,000 lions left on Earth. The lion population has decreased by half during the last few decades. The main reasons for the declining lion population are trophy hunting and loss of natural habitat.
