Which is the only country in the world that hosts both tigers and lions in their natural habitat?

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

• India is the only country in the world where both Bengal tigers and Asiatic lions coexist in their natural habitats.
• Bengal Tigers are primarily found in the Sundarbans, Central India, and the Himalayan foothills, while Asiatic Lions are exclusive to the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat.
• The Gir Forest is the last remaining natural habitat for Asiatic lions, a species that was once widespread across Asia.
• India has been actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts, such as Project Tiger (launched in 1973) and the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (initiated in 2018).
• These species are classified under the Endangered category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Additional Information

• Bengal Tigers:
  • Scientific name: Panthera tigris tigris.
  • Native to India and commonly found in reserves such as Sundarbans, Ranthambore, and Kanha.
  • India accounts for over 70% of the global tiger population.
  • Known for their orange fur with black stripes, Bengal tigers are apex predators in their ecosystems.
• Asiatic Lions:
  • Scientific name: Panthera leo leo.
  • Exclusive to the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat.
  • Smaller than African lions, Asiatic lions have a distinct fold of skin along their belly.
  • Gir Forest is a protected area established in 1965, ensuring the survival of this species.
• Wildlife Conservation in India:
  • Project Tiger: Initiated in 1973 to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats.
  • Asiatic Lion Conservation Project: Launched in 2018 to safeguard the Gir Forest ecosystem and lion population.
  • India's conservation strategies emphasize community involvement and habitat restoration.
  • These efforts have led to a gradual increase in the populations of these species in recent years.
• Global Context:
  • Bengal Tigers are found only in South Asia, whereas Asiatic Lions were once widespread in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • India remains the last refuge for Asiatic lions, making Gir Forest globally significant for biodiversity conservation.
  • Both species are icons of India's rich wildlife heritage and are integral to its cultural and ecological identity.