The scientific name of the lion species is Panthera leo. This name was originally Felis leo when first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, but it was later changed to Panthera leo by Lorenz Oken in 1816
. There is only one lion species, Panthera leo, but it is divided into two main subspecies based on genetic studies and geographic distribution:
- Panthera leo leo : This includes the Asiatic lion and lion populations in West and northern parts of Central Africa.
- Panthera leo melanochaita : This includes lion populations in East and Southern Africa
In summary, the lion's scientific name is Panthera leo, with recognized subspecies distinctions for regional populations.
