The Asian lion is thought to had split from the African lion some 100,000 years ago. They are genetically distinct, though their genetic distance is smaller than that between human racial groups. Asian lions are slightly smaller than African lions.

With a comparatively shorter, sparser and darker mane, the male Asian lion's ears are exposed and visible at all times. The Asian lion also sports thicker elbow and tail tufts and a longitudinal skin fold along the stomach.

Asian lions used to range from Turkey, across Asia, to eastern India, but the rise of firearm use globally led to their near-extirpation at the hands of trophy hunters. Today, these lions have to contend with a growing human population that rears livestock and grows crops in their range.

There have been cases of lions drowning after falling into wells. Poaching incidents in recent years also indicate that organised gangs may now be targeting these lions instead of the tigers.