Lion: The Unexpected Forest King
While lions are often associated with the open savannas, some subspecies adapt to forested areas, such as the Gir Forest National Park in India. These Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than their African cousins but no less formidable. Living in forested habitats requires unique adaptations, such as hunting in denser vegetation and navigating the terrain to find prey.
As apex predators, lions maintain ecological balance by controlling herbivore populations. Unfortunately, the Asiatic lion is critically endangered, with only a small population surviving in the wild. Intensive conservation efforts have been successful in stabilizing their numbers, but continued support is crucial for their survival.