The West African lion (Panthera leo senegalensis) is a subspecies of the lion, native to western Africa. Recent genetic research indicates that the Western and Central African lions form a different clade of lions and are perhaps more related to Asian lions than to lions from southern or eastern Africa. The genetic distinctiveness is particular of interest, since lions are regionally endangered in western Africa. Lions from western and central Africa are believed to be smaller than lions from southern Africa. It is also suggested, that they have smaller manes, live in smaller groups, and they may also differ in the shape of their skull. In the Pendjari National Park area, which is within the range of the West African lion, almost all males are maneless or have very weak manes.
Lions are rare in western Africa and may be critically endangered in this region. There are probably only 450-1,300 lions left in West Africa. In addition, there are about 550-1,550 in Central Africa. In both regions, the area inhabited by lions has been reduced to less than 15% of the historic range.
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