Where the kings still roam: Top 10 countries with the largest lion populations
Discover the environments that sustain the world’s lion populations, highlighting the balance of power, survival, and beauty within Earth’s most fascinating wild kingdoms.
Global lion population numbers are based on World Population Review data, highlighting the nations that currently support the largest remaining wild lion populations across Africa and Asia. (Image: Canva)
Tanzania: Tanzania holds the world’s largest lion population. Vast landscapes like the Serengeti and Selous offer abundant prey and protected space, allowing an estimated 14,500 lions to thrive across the country. (Image: Canva)
South Africa: South Africa sustains around 3,284 lions, supported by strong conservation planning. Kruger National Park and well-managed private reserves remain key safe havens for growing and maintaining healthy lion populations. (Image: Canva)
Kenya: Kenya’s estimated 2,515 lions live mostly within the Maasai Mara and greater Serengeti ecosystem. These protected grasslands safeguard large prides and remain essential for the species’ long-term survival. (Image: Canva)
Zambia: Zambia is home to around 2,349 lions across parks like Kafue and South Luangwa. These protected habitats offer strong prey availability, helping maintain steady lion populations in recent years. (Image: Canva)
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe hosts roughly 1,362 lions, especially in Hwange National Park. Conservation efforts focus on expanding wildlife corridors and reducing conflict, helping protect these important regional populations. (Image: Canva)
Ethiopia: Ethiopia supports about 1,239 lions in regions such as the Bale Mountains and Gambella. Though habitat pressures remain, continued conservation aims to protect and stabilise these significant populations. (Image: Canva)
South Sudan: South Sudan has approximately 866 lions across its vast savannahs. Much of the habitat remains under-studied, making strengthened protection critical for securing the country’s remaining lion populations. (Image; Canva)
Namibia: Namibia sustains around 801 lions, including the famous desert-adapted lions of the northwest. Community-based conservation programmes play a key role in safeguarding these uniquely resilient populations. (Image: Canva)
India: India hosts about 680 Asiatic lions, found only in Gujarat’s Gir Forest. Focused protection has helped this once-endangered population recover, marking one of the world’s major conservation success stories. (Image: Canva)
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