Question

The zoological name of the Asiatic lion is
A. Panthera pandits
B. Panthera leo persica
C. Panthera leo spelea
D. Felis leo

Answer 1

Hint: The Asiatic lion or Indian lion, is a lion subspecies that essentially live as a single population in the state of Gujarat, India. It has been listed as an endangered species by the IUCN as its population has been declining sharply.

 Complete answer: The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary which is the only body that hosts the entire population of the Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) and it is prominently considered to be one of the most important protected areas in the entire Asian subcontinent.

Additional information: Devalia Safari Park which is famously known as the Gir Interpretation Zone - Devalia, is an eco-tourism zone which was introduced to regulate the overload of tourists from Gir Forest Visit.
1. The Asiatic lion's fur shows a variant in color from ruddy-tawny, heavily speckled with black, to sandy or buffish grey, sometimes with a silvery sheen in certain lights.
2. Males have only average mane growth at the top of the head so that their ears are visible. 3. The mane is scanty on the cheeks and throat where it is only 10 cm (3.9 in) long.
4. About 50% of Asiatic lions' skulls from the Gir forest have differentiated infraorbital foramina, whereas African lions have only one foramen on both sides.
5. The sagittal crest is more strongly developed, and the post-orbital region is shorter than in the African lion.

So the correct answer is B. Panthera leo persica

Note: The Asiatic lion is characterized by the presence of a sparse mane, which is why their ears are always visible. The male Asiatic lions have a typical hair tuft at the elbow. However, the most unique feature of these animals is their distinctive belly skin.