Top 10 countries with the largest lion populations

The lion, often known as the King of the Animal Kingdom (Panthera Leo), is indigenous to Africa and India. These large cats can run, jump, and climb at up to 46 mph thanks to their powerful forelegs and compact bodies. An adult lion’s coat is yellowish-brown, while babies have spots that resemble light cheetahs.

Male adults have black, reddish-brown, or shaggy blond manes. The length and color of the lion’s mane are determined by age and heredity. While male lions typically live to age 12, females typically live to age 16. Of all the cats, lions are the most gregarious. They reside in prides, which are groups. Forty adult cats and cubs make up the typical pride size. In addition to being the pride’s main hunters, the lionesses rear the cubs and collaborate to provide food for the group.

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Lions roam in dense undergrowth or broad savannahs. They are conspicuously lacking in rainforests and equatorial regions, though. The majority of these elegant cats are found in Africa, ranging from northern South Africa to the southern Sahara. The lone exception is a tiny population of an Indian subspecies that inhabits the Gir Forest in northwest India.

Tanzania, located in eastern Africa, is home to approximately 14,500 wild lions, the most in the world. The majority of Tanzania’s magnificent felines reside in its national parks and preserves. South Africa has 3,284 lions, making it another country with a sizable lion population.

While Kenya and Zambia each have about 2,500 wild lions within their borders, Botswana is thought to have 3,063 of them. The total number of lions in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Angola is 4,600. Other nations like Cameroon, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda have only a few hundred wild cats each. The number of lions in Central South Africa has decreased to about 50.

There are between 23,000 and 39,000 lions left in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which classifies them as a vulnerable population. However, estimates from some conservation groups have been closer to 20,000.

According to Worldpopulationreview, here are the top 10 countries with the largest lion populations:

1. Tanzania

Estimated Lion Population: 14,500 

Tanzania is the undisputed lion stronghold, hosting the world’s largest population. The Serengeti ecosystem alone sustains over 3,000 lions, famous for their role in the Great Migration. Unique populations include tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara and genetically isolated lions in Ngorongoro Crater.

2. South Africa

Estimated Lion Population: 3,284 

Most lions live in fenced reserves like Kruger, known for high-density predator sightings. South Africa also has rare white lions in Timbavati and faces challenges like canned hunting controversies.

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3. Botswana

Estimated Lion Population: 3,063

Botswana’s lions are unique aquatic hunters, specializing in buffalo kills in delta waters. The country employs community-based conservation but debates trophy hunting’s role in funding protection.

4. Kenya

Estimated Lion Population: 2,515

The Maasai Mara’s lions follow the Great Migration, but human-wildlife conflict results in ~100 retaliatory killings annually. Conservation programs like Lion Guardians help mitigate clashes with herders.

5. Zambia

Estimated Lion Population: 2,349

Zambia’s lions thrive in riverine ecosystems, competing with crocodiles for kills. The Zambian Carnivore Programme uses GPS collars to study movements and reduce conflicts.

6. Zimbabwe

Estimated Lion Population: 1,709

Zimbabwe’s lions are recovering with anti-poaching efforts. Hwange’s prides are known for surviving harsh droughts, but habitat fragmentation remains a threat.

7. Mozambique

Estimated Lion Population: 1,500

Niassa, larger than Switzerland, shelters approximately 1,000 lions. Post-civil war recovery is ongoing, with anti-poaching patrols critical to conservation.

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8. Namibia

Estimated Lion Population: 1,435

Namibia’s desert-adapted lions survive extreme heat and scarce prey. The Kunene lions are iconic for their resilience, but drought and human conflict pose risks.

9. Angola

Estimated Lion Population: 1,000

Angola’s lions are rebounding after decades of war. Panthera supports habitat restoration in remote parks, though populations remain fragmented.

10. Uganda

Estimated Lion Population: 900

Famous for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Uganda’s populations face snaring and habitat pressures. Conservation focuses on anti-poaching and community engagement.