Historically, Africa has been home to several subspecies and populations of lions, some of which are distinct in terms of their geographic location, physical characteristics, and behavior. While the lion (Panthera leo) is generally recognized as a single species, different subspecies or regional populations have evolved over time, leading to variations within the species across Africa. Below are the key lion subspecies that have existed historically in Africa:

1. West African Lion (Panthera leo leo)

Historically, the West African lion, or the "savanna lion," is one of the most well-known lion subspecies in Africa. It is found in the western and central parts of the continent, including countries like Senegal, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. This population is considered genetically distinct from other African lions due to its geographic isolation.

Key Features:

• Historically found in forests, savannas, and grasslands of West Africa.
• Smaller in size compared to some other lion subspecies.
• Known for a slightly shorter mane, which helps in adapting to the hot climates of West Africa.
• The West African lion has been critically endangered due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Today, it is mostly restricted to protected areas, with the largest remaining population in the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex spanning across Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin.

2. East African Lion (Panthera leo nubica)

East African lions, often found in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, are typically larger and more robust than the West African lions. This subspecies has been one of the most studied, especially in popular reserves like the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Key Features:

• Larger body size and longer, fuller manes.
• Typically found in open savannas and semi-arid regions.
• East African lions are known for their adaptability, surviving in a variety of habitats ranging from grasslands to more arid areas.
• They are also a critical part of the ecosystem in these regions, where they are the apex predators.

3. Southern African Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita)

The Southern African lion, which is primarily found in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, is one of the most common lion subspecies. Lions in this region are well-studied and have been the subject of extensive research, especially those living in reserves like Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Key Features:

• Known for their large size and impressive manes, which are particularly noticeable in males.
• They tend to be more adaptable to varying habitats, from semi-arid zones to forested areas.
• Southern African lions historically had the largest populations due to the extensive protected areas in the region, though they now face threats such as trophy hunting and habitat fragmentation.

4. Congo Lion (Panthera leo azandica) (Historical, possibly extinct)

Historically, there was a distinct population of lions that lived in the dense rainforests of central Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin. These lions were sometimes classified as a separate subspecies, Panthera leo azandica. The Congo lion is believed to have been smaller and had a different social structure compared to lions living in the savannas and open woodlands.

Key Features:

• Smaller size and less pronounced manes.
• Adapted to a more forested environment, possibly leading to differences in behavior and hunting strategies.
• This population has largely vanished due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and poaching, and it's unclear if they have survived into the modern era.

5. Cape Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) (Extinct)

The Cape lion, once found in the southernmost parts of South Africa, particularly in the Cape Colony, was one of the most famous historical lion populations. The Cape lion is often considered one of the "extinct" subspecies. It was distinctive for its dark, thick mane and was larger than most other lions, with a robust build that matched the harsh environment of the Cape region.

Key Features:

• Recognized for a particularly dark, full mane that covered much of the shoulders and even parts of the chest.
• Historically found in the Cape of Good Hope area but was driven to extinction in the wild by the late 1800s due to hunting and habitat loss.
• The last known wild Cape lion was seen in the late 19th century, and some attempts to breed them in captivity failed.

6. Northeast African Lion (Panthera leo roosevelti) (Historical, possibly extinct)

There were once lions in the northeastern regions of Africa, particularly in areas such as Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, known as the Northeast African Lion. The subspecies was named after Theodore Roosevelt, who encountered lions in the region during his African safari in the early 20th century.

Key Features:

• Known for its relatively smaller size and less impressive mane compared to lions in other regions.
• The subspecies is believed to have been isolated due to the harsh climate and terrain in these areas.
• It is likely extinct today, with no confirmed sightings of lions in this region for decades.