Why In News?

• World Lion Day is observed every year on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation of lions and their habitats.

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• It was first organized by Big Cat Rescue in the year 2013.
• Big Cat Rescue is the world's largest recognized sanctuary dedicated to lions.
• The lion's habitat extended from 15°N (Yemen) to 18°N (Mali, Chad) in the south and 45–48°N (Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary) in the north.
• It is noteworthy that lions thrive in a variety of environments, including deserts, plains, and sea coasts.
• Scientific Name: Panthera leo The lion is divided into two subspecies: the African lion and the Asiatic lion.
• Lions are known for their characteristic coloration, which includes tawny mane, tufted tail, and mane characteristically found in male lions.
• Lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa and a small population is also present in the Gir Forest National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat.
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
• Asiatic Lion: Endangered
• CITES: found in India in Appendix-I and all other populations in Appendix-II
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
• Conservation Efforts in India: Project Lion, Asiatic Lion Conservation Project