The lion  As researchers reveal that Africa's lion population is
plummeting, we tell you everything you need to know about the
king of the jungle  1. Researchers have found that Africa's lion
population has plummeted from 200,000 only 20 years ago to
around 23,000 today.  2. Most of the African lions have suffered
at the hands of man. Conservationists fear that they could
suffer the same fate as the slightly smaller Asiatic lion. Once
ranging across Europe, north Africa, and south-west Asia, the
Asian lion's habitat is now confined to the protected Gir Forest
in India.  3. Mountain lions, or cougars, are on the decline in
the Americas. Experts say that you stand more of a chance of
being struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion, but
judging by the roar, anyone in their habitat would be well
advised to keep an eye on the children.  4. Of course, lions and
children have a long and happy fictional history, from CS Lewis'
Aslan in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, to Disney's far
slushier Simba in