As of 2025, the global wild lion population is estimated to be fewer than 20,000 individuals. This marks a dramatic decline from about 200,000 lions at the start of the 20th century. The lion population has faced severe threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching over the decades
. The largest populations are found primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a small but growing population of Asiatic lions in India:
- Tanzania: ~14,500 lions
- South Africa: ~3,284 lions
- Botswana: ~3,063 lions
- Kenya: ~2,515 lions
- Zambia: ~2,349 lions
- Other African countries combined: several thousand more lions
- India (Asiatic lions in Gir Forest and surrounding areas): about 891 lions as of 2025, showing a 32% increase since 2020 due to successful conservation efforts
Overall, lions now occupy roughly 20% of their historic range, and conservation efforts have helped stabilize or increase some populations, especially the Asiatic lions in India. However, the species remains vulnerable and endangered in many regions
