The Lions Of Afghanistan: A Species' Surprising Survival

Afghanistan has long been known for its diverse wildlife, including several large mammals that are now classified as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While the country's national animal is the elusive snow leopard, there is uncertainty about the historical presence of lions in Afghanistan, with no clear locality records. However, in March 2017, six white lions were seized by the Afghan Border Police at the Wesh-Chaman border crossing, reportedly being smuggled into neighbouring Pakistan. Four of these lions were taken to Kabul Zoo, while the other two remained in Kandahar Province.

The Panjshir Valley

In August 2021, following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, anti-Taliban forces loyal to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan fled to the Panjshir Valley and formed the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan. They continued to resist the Taliban and captured districts in neighbouring provinces. However, in September 2021, the Taliban pushed into the valley and captured several districts, forcing remaining resistance fighters into the mountains. Despite this, clashes between the Taliban and resistance fighters in the Panjshir Valley are ongoing.

The Asiatic Lion

Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts. The male Asiatic lion has a relatively short, sparse and darker mane compared to the fuller mane of the African lion, meaning that the male Asiatic lion's ears are always visible. The most distinguishing characteristic of the Asiatic lion is the longitudinal fold of skin that runs along its belly, which is absent in African lions.

Asiatic lions are polygynous, meaning that a male can mate with more than one female. There is no mating season for the Asiatic lion; they mate at any time of the year. The period of gestation lasts from 100 to 119 days, with intervals of 18-26 months between births. The female gives birth to 1-6 cubs, which learn to hunt for 9 months and become independent at the age of 1 year.

Asiatic lions are carnivores. They mainly feed on wild boars, buffaloes, antelopes, and deer. They also regularly visit specific sites within the protected area to scavenge on dead livestock dumped by Maldhari livestock herders.

Asiatic lions are sociable and communicative animals. They congregate into small social units called prides. The prides can contain only 2 adult females, whereas those of African lions may include 4-6 adult females. The largest unit of Asian lionesses ever recorded consisted of just 5 females. Male lions are not as sociable as females, joining the pride mainly for mating and on large kills.

Asiatic lions are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. They face the usual threats of poaching and habitat fragmentation. There are only several hundred Asiatic lions in the wild, and they only live in the Gir Forest, India, in an area that is smaller than Greater London.

Marjan, Kabul's Lion

During the 1990s civil war, Kabul Zoo was enveloped in chaos as it found itself in the middle of a battlefield. The zoo was shelled on many occasions, and even its medical supply facility was destroyed, leaving zoo staff unable to help Marjan. Despite the devastation, Marjan survived, becoming a symbol of resilience and a desire for peace for the Afghan people.

Marjan's resilience was put to the test on March 27, 1995, when a soldier entered his den to show off his bravery to his peers. The soldier stroked Chucha, the lioness sharing Marjan's enclosure, who did not react. However, Marjan attacked the intruder and killed him within minutes. The soldier's brother, seeking revenge, threw a hand grenade into Marjan's den the following day, seriously injuring him. Marjan lost his eyes, his hearing, and several teeth in the blast, leaving him permanently disabled. Despite several operations, his eyesight could not be saved.

The attack on Marjan sparked outrage among animal rights activists, both locally and internationally. The man who threw the grenade faced violent retribution and died of his injuries a week later.

Marjan's story, a lion enduring the hardships of war-torn Afghanistan, captivated people worldwide. When the US-led coalition arrived in 2001 and the dire conditions of the Kabul Zoo came to light, Marjan became an instant celebrity. Animal welfare organizations and zoos around the world lent their support with money, medical supplies, and personnel.

Despite the overwhelming response, Marjan ultimately succumbed to old age and died in January 2002. Funeral ceremonies, both private and public, were held for the beloved lion, who was buried in the zoo. A memorial statue of Marjan now stands at the zoo's entrance, serving as a lasting tribute to his remarkable life.

The Bactrian Deer

Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the Bactrian deer, and their populations have increased as a result. In 2011, the total wild population was estimated to be 1,430 and growing.

The Caspian Tiger

In the first half of the 1900s, thousands of Caspian tigers were killed through poisoning and trapping, promoted by bounties paid by the former Soviet Union until the 1930s. The Russian army was ordered to kill Caspian tigers, which decimated their numbers and ultimately led to their legal protection in 1947. Unfortunately, the clearing of their forest habitat for agriculture continued, further decreasing their population.

The last officially documented sighting of a Caspian tiger came in 1958 near the Afghanistan border. Some reports suggest that the last Caspian tiger was captured and killed in northeast Afghanistan in 1997.

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