Lion

The Lion is an exceptionally large cat that lives predominantly in Africa. Lions are carnivores that live and hunt in groups, which we call a "pride". Their diet could be any kind of prey, from a small bird to a tall giraffe! The lion is often referred to as "The King of the Savannah", but it is very difficult to be a lion. For a lion to survive it must be a skilled hunter, a strong fighter and a brave leader.

The lion is what we call an apex predator. Which means it is at the top of the food chain in its environment, with no natural predators.

DID YOU KNOW?

A Cat in Numbers

The Lion is the only cat on earth that is gregarious, meaning that they like to live in groups, or prides.

Spotty Cubs

A baby lion is called a lion cub. Lion cubs are born with spots on their body that slowly fade as they grow up.

Lions in India

There are actually TWO different special of lion. Panthera leo leo is the commonly-known lion that lives across the African continent. But there is a small population of lions in West India, called Panthera leo persica.

Heavy Cats

On average, a male lions weigh 190kg while a female lion (called a lioness) weighs around 125kg. This weight helps them to take down large prey species and to defend themselves against other lions.

photo of a large male lion resting in the grass

As male lions grow older, they develop thick fur around their neck, called a mane.

photo of a lioness looking through the leaves of a raisin bush

Lions spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping or resting.

close up photo of a young male lion yawning and showing off his sharp teeth

Lions are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat.

photo of a large male lion resting in the grass

As male lions grow older, they develop thick fur around their neck, called a mane.

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Lion Conservation

African lions are threatened by habitat loss and a demand for their parts in traditional medicines. Less than 20 000 lions are left in Africa today and they have disappeared from more than 80% of their former territories.

Here are some reputable organisation links, where you can read more about the plight of lions and find out how you can help.

Panthera Big Cat Conservation

Born Free

African Parks