The Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo) is a Panthera leo subspecies native to North Africa that is now extinct in the wild.
The Barbary lion was historically considered one of the biggest lion subspecies. Barbary lions once lived in North Africa’s Atlas Mountains and had a wide range across the region from Morocco to Egypt.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s the Barbary lion was a common sight in zoos around the world. However they are now extinct in the wild with the last confirmed sighting in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains in 1922.
There are currently only a handful of Barbary lions in captivity making them one of the rarest big cats in the world.
The Barbary lion was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The scientific name Panthera leo leo refers to the fact that it is a subspecies of the lion (Panthera leo). The word “Barbary” refers to the Barbary Coast of North Africa where the lion was once found.
There is considerable debate among taxonomists about whether the Barbary lion is a distinct subspecies. Some experts consider it to be a separate subspecies while others believe it is synonymous with the African lion.
The Barbary lion was historically considered one of the largest lion subspecies. Males could reach up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in length from nose to tail and weigh up to 350 kilograms (770 pounds). Females were typically about two-thirds the size of males.
The mane of the Barbary lion was more extensive than that of other lion subspecies. The mane extended from the head to the middle of the lion’s back and covered the lion’s belly. The mane was often darker at the base and lighter at the tips.
Barbary lions were once found across North Africa from Morocco to Egypt. They inhabited a wide range of habitats including steppe desert and mountain ecosystems.
The Barbary lion was first introduced to European zoos in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s they were a common sight in zoos around the world. The last known Barbary lion in the wild was shot in 1922 in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains.
Since then there have been sporadic reports of Barbary lions in the wild but none of these have been confirmed. The last confirmed sighting of a Barbary lion was in the Algerian Sahara in 1927.
There are currently only a handful of Barbary lions in captivity. The majority of these are in zoos in Europe and the United States. A few are kept as private pets.
The Barbary lion is classified as extinct in the wild by the IUCN Red List. The primary cause of the lion’s extinction is habitat loss. Hunting and persecution are also thought to have contributed to the decline of the Barbary lion.
What is a Barbary lion?
A Barbary lion is a Panthera leo leo population in North Africa that is regionally extinct in the wild.
Where did the Barbary lion live?
The Barbary lion lived in North Africa in the Barbary Coast region.
What does the Barbary lion look like?
The Barbary lion is characterized by a more robust build than other lions with a particularly large mane and skull.
How big are Barbary lions?
Male Barbary lions weigh between 330 and 550 pounds while females weigh between 250 and 350 pounds.
What is the coat coloration of a Barbary lion?
The coat of a Barbary lion is typically a tawny yellow but can range from pale yellow to a darker golden hue.
How long do Barbary lions live?
In the wild Barbary lions typically live 10-12 years but can live up to 20 years.
What do Barbary lions eat?
Barbary lions are carnivores and their diet consists of meat primarily antelope deer and wild pigs.
How many Barbary lions are left in the wild?
There are no Barbary lions left in the wild.
The last known wild Barbary lion was killed in 1922.
Where can I see a Barbary lion today?
The only place to see a Barbary lion today is in captivity.
How many Barbary lions are in captivity?
There are approximately 100 Barbary lions in captivity.
What is the primary threat to Barbary lions?
The primary threat to Barbary lions is habitat loss and fragmentation.
What is another name for the Barbary lion?
The Barbary lion is also known as the Atlas lion.
What zoo has the largest captive breeding population of Barbary lions?
The Cincinnati Zoo has the largest captive breeding population of Barbary lions.
What is the primary goal of the Barbary Lion Project?
The primary goal of the Barbary Lion Project is to reintroduce Barbary lions into the wild.
How can I help the Barbary Lion Project?
You can help the Barbary Lion Project by donating to or volunteering with the organization.
