Counting on Africa
Educational Childrens Books Publisher
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.
As male lions grow older, they develop thick fur around their neck, called a mane.
Lions spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping or resting.
Lions are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat.
As male lions grow older, they develop thick fur around their neck, called a mane.
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.
