The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat species native to Africa and India, known for its muscular build, short head, and distinctive tail tuft. Lions exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and possessing a mane. They are social animals living in prides consisting of a few adult males, related females, and their cubs. Female lions typically hunt in groups, preying on ungulates. As an apex and keystone predator, lions play a crucial role in their ecosystem.
In 1900, L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was published, featuring the Cowardly Lion, contributing to the lion's continued presence in modern literature.
American Clyde Beatty, who possibly first used the now-iconic lion tamer's chair, was born in 1903.
In 1942, the last live lion in Iran was sighted about 65 km northwest of Dezful.
In 1944, the corpse of a lioness was found on the banks of the Karun river in Khuzestan province, Iran.
In 1962, an outbreak of stable flies in the Ngorongoro Crater afflicted lions, causing emaciation and the local population dropped from 70 to 15 individuals.
American Clyde Beatty, who possibly first used the now-iconic lion tamer's chair, died in 1965.
In 1974, the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park, India, was approximately 180.
In 1975, it was estimated that since the 1950s, lion numbers had decreased by half to 200,000 or fewer.
In 1982, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums started a Species Survival Plan for the Asiatic lion to increase its chances of survival.
A study in the Serengeti ecosystem revealed that lions killed at least 17 of 125 cheetah cubs born between 1987 and 1990.
In 1987, it was found that most lions in North American zoos were hybrids between African and Asiatic lions.
In 1988, a study began tracking 1,000 people attacked by lions in southern Tanzania to understand patterns and causes of the attacks, with data collection continuing until 2009.
Wild-born lions were imported to American zoos from Africa between 1989 and 1995.
A study in the Serengeti ecosystem revealed that lions killed at least 17 of 125 cheetah cubs born between 1987 and 1990.
In 1990, reports indicated a significant increase in man-eating behavior by lions in rural Tanzania. This rise in attacks continued until 2005.
In 1994, Disney released the animated feature film "The Lion King", portraying the lion as the ruler of animals, significantly impacting popular culture.
In 1994, a canine distemper virus outbreak in Serengeti National Park resulted in many lions developing neurological symptoms, with several deaths from pneumonia and encephalitis.
Wild-born lions were imported to American zoos from Africa between 1989 and 1995.
In 1996, the lion was listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a 43% population decline in African countries since the early 1990s. Habitat loss and human conflicts are major concerns.
Breeding of lions was continued in 1998 in the frame of an African lion Species Survival Plan.
In 2001, a more recent outbreak of stable flies in the Ngorongoro Crater killed six lions.
Estimates of the African lion population range between 16,500 and 47,000 living in the wild in 2002–2004.
Estimates of the African lion population range between 16,500 and 47,000 living in the wild in 2002–2004.
By 2005, lion attacks on villagers in Tanzania had risen considerably since 1990, resulting in at least 563 villagers being attacked near the Selous Game Reserve and Lindi Region.
In 2005, Lion Conservation Strategies were developed for West and Central Africa, and East and Southern Africa, to maintain habitat, ensure wild prey, and reduce population fragmentation.
In 2005, of the 26 lion specimens described between the mid-18th and mid-20th centuries, 11 were recognised as valid subspecies. These were distinguished mostly by the size and colour of their manes and skins.
About 77% of the captive lions registered in the International Species Information System in 2006 were of unknown origin.
Between 2007 and 2015, 17 white lion births were recorded in five prides in and around Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
In 2007, three sibling lions at the Honolulu Zoo lived to the age of 22, demonstrating lion longevity in captivity.
Between 2008 and 2016, IUCN Red List assessors used only two subspecific names: P. l. leo for African lion populations, and P. l. persica for the Asiatic lion population.
Since 2008, the Asiatic lion has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
As of 2009, approximately 14 to 21 lions persisted in Cameroon's Waza National Park.
In 2009, a study of 1,000 people attacked by lions in southern Tanzania between 1988 and 2009, concluded, revealing increased night-time attacks following the full moon due to reduced moonlight.
By 2010, the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park and surrounding areas had risen to about 400.
By 2014, no lions were recorded in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo, indicating the population is considered locally extinct.
Between 2007 and 2015, 17 white lion births were recorded in five prides in and around Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
By 2015, the Asiatic lion population had grown to 523 individuals inhabiting an area of 7,000 square kilometers in Saurashtra.
In 2015, an adult male lion and a female lion were sighted in Ghana's Mole National Park after 39 years. Also in the same year, a population of up to 200 lions was filmed in the Alatash National Park, Ethiopia.
In 2015, it was estimated that the West African lion population consists of about 400 animals, including fewer than 250 mature individuals, and is listed as Critically Endangered.
Trophy hunting of lions in recent years has been met with controversy, notably with the killing of Cecil the lion in mid-2015.
Between 2008 and 2016, IUCN Red List assessors used only two subspecific names: P. l. leo for African lion populations, and P. l. persica for the Asiatic lion population.
In 2017, about 650 Asiatic lions were recorded during the Asiatic Lion Census.
In 2017, the Cat Classification Task Force of the Cat Specialist Group revised lion taxonomy, recognising two subspecies based on phylogeographic studies on lion evolution.
A study in 2018 recorded a lion running at a top speed of 74.1 km/h, accelerating at 9.5 m/s at the start of the chase. Acceleration appears to be more important than steady displacement speed in lion hunts.