The mammals are the class of vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands, the presence of hair or fur; specialized teeth; the presence of a neocortex region in the brain; and endothermic or 'warm-blooded' bodies. The brain regulates endothermic and circulatory system, including a four-chambered heart. In India there are 410 species, 186 genera, 45 families and 13 orders of which nearly 89 species are listed as threatened in the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 2006).

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), also known as the Indian lion is a lion subspecies that exists as a single population in India's Gujarat state. Since 2010, the lion population in the Gir Forest National Park has steadily increased. In May 2015, the lion population was estimated at 523 individuals, comprising 109 adult males, 201 adult females and 213 cubs. Asiatic lions live in prides. Mean pride size, measured by the number of adult females, tends to be smaller than for African lions; most Gir prides contain just two adult females, with the largest having five.

IUCN Status: Endangered (EN) Photo: Bernard Gagnon