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 Natural habitat for lions is now only found in protected reserves, where lions are doing well. Although there are still enough lions to provide genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding, lion movement between prides is becoming more limited. Some hunting is still allowed on reserves, and there are so many lions for so little space that rangers often put the females on birth control to reduce the number of cubs born. Ranchers sometimes poison lions that prey on livestock. African Lions— Scientists know more about African lions Panthera leo than any other cat. It is estimated that there are between 6,000 and 10,000 lions in Africa. Asian Lions— Asian lions Panthera leo persica used to be found from the Middle East across to India. Now they are only found in the Gir Forest in India. There are only about 200 to 260 of these endangered lions left in the wild. They live in a reserve that used to be royal hunting grounds, in an area of dry teak forest. There are also about 200 Asian lions living in zoos. Lions have been celebrated throughout history for their courage and strength. They once roamed most of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. Today they are found only in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except for one very small population of Asian lions that survives in India's Gir Forest.
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