Lion (African and Asiatic)
Panthera leo
Renowned for its majesty and nicknamed the King of the Jungle, the lion possesses both beauty and strength. Lions vary in color but typically sport light yellowish-brown coats. Mature male lions are unique among big cats due the thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting.
Interesting Lion Facts
Top speed 50 mph, for short distances
Longest
leap 36 feet
Distance over which roar can be heard 5 miles; both males
and females roar.
Height 4 feet (males), females smaller
Length 5-8 feet (males), females
smaller
Weight 330-500 lbs (males), females less
Lifespan 13 years, although they may live longer in captivity
Diet
Staples Wide variety; from wildebeest, impala, zebra, giraffe,
buffalo and wild hogs to sometimes rhinos and hippos. They will also feed on
smaller animals such as hares, birds and reptiles.
Also known to
attack Elephants when food is scarce
Population
The lion population in Africa has been reduced by half since the early 1950s. Today, fewer than 21,000 remain in all of Africa. The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in India contains approximately 200 lions.
Range
Though lions used to live in most parts of Africa, they are now found only in the south Sahara desert and in parts of southern and eastern Africa. In addition, a small population of the Asiatic lion subspecies remains in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in northwestern India. Historically in addition to Africa, lions were found from Greece through the Middle East to northern India.
Behavior
The only social member of the cat (Felidae) family, lions live in large groups called "prides," consisting of about 15 lions. Related females and their young make up the majority of the pride. A single male, or sometimes a small group of 2-3 males, will join a pride for an indefinite period, usually about 3 years or until another group of males takes over.
Lions within a pride are often affectionate and, when resting, seem to enjoy good fellowship with lots of touching, head rubbing, licking and purring. The males are territorial, and will roar and use scent markings to establish their domains.
Females do almost all of the hunting. They are mainly nocturnal and work in teams to stalk and ambush prey. Lions inhabit grassy plains, savannahs, open woodlands and scrub country. These landscapes allow the hunters to creep stealthily through vegetation and leap upon their unsuspecting prey.
Reproduction
Mating Season Throughout the year
Gestation Around 110
days
Litter size 3-4 cubs
Cubs have long hair on the backs of their
necks that make them look like honey badgers, which are ferocious animals that
predators are wary of. Young cubs are vulnerable to predation by hyenas,
leopards and black-backed jackals. The cubs begin hunting at 11 months but
remain with their mother for at least two years.
Threats
Lions are threatened by human population growth and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting and poaching by livestock ranchers.
Legal Status/Protection
Although the population of lions is declining, they are not currently listed as endangered or threatened. The Asiatic lion subspecies, however, is endangered.
How You Can Help
- Help lions and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
For additional information
African Wildlife Foundation
The Asiatic Lion information Centre
Lion Guardian Blog
