How many species of lion are there?

Although the lion is referred to by different names, depending upon where it lives, there is only one species of lion. However, differences do exist between lions living in different areas of the world.

Lions that live in Africa are called African lions. Asiatic lions live in India. Asiatic lions are smaller than African lions, and they have shorter manes. African lions typically live south of the Sahara Desert. Asiatic lions live in the Gir Forest of India. The male of the species is called a lion, the female is a lioness and the babies are called cubs. A group of lions is a pride.