The first scientific description of the Asiatic lion was published in 1826 by the Austrian zoologist Johann N. Meyer who named it "Felis leo persicus". On the IUCN Red List, it is listed under its former scientific name "Panthera leo persica" as Endangered because of its small population size and area of occupancy. Until the 19th century, it occurred in Saudi Arabia, eastern Turkey, Iran, Mesopotamia, Pakistan, and from east of the Indus River to Bengal and Narmada River in Central India.