The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lion found primarily in the Gir Forest National Park in India. These lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts and have a distinctive fold of skin along their bellies. They typically live in prides, which are smaller than those of African lions, usually consisting of a few females and their cubs. Asiatic lions are classified as endangered, with their population limited to a small region in Gujarat. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect their habitat and increase their numbers. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance in their environment.