Lions (scientific name: Panthera leo) are the only cats that live in family groups, making them the only social cats. A group of lions is called a pride. Prides can have 2-40 members. Female lions typically stay in the same pride their entire lives. Male lions leave their prides when they are about 2 years old. Lions are the second largest of the cat species. Female lions do most of the hunting while the males protect the pride’s territory. Males tend to eat first when the pride catches prey.
- Yellow-blonde, tan, light brown coats
- Male lions have a brown mane around their neck and head – this attracts females and protects their neck from other males
- Brown tuft of fur at the end of their tail
- Dark spots on the backs of their tan ears
WHERE WE LIVEDespite being called the king of the jungle, lions do not live in the jungle. Lions live in grassy plains, the savanna, and dry, open woodlands. The territory of a lion pride can be anywhere from 15-400 square miles.
300 – 575 pounds
500 pounds
5.5 – 8.2 feet long
6 feet long
A lion’s roar can be heard 5 miles away
Airplanes fly 5 miles above the earth
OBLIGATE CARNIVORE
- Zebra
- Wild Boar
- Water Buffalo
- Antelope
- Giraffes
- Hippopotamus
- Elephants
Lions are known to scavenge (take) the prey from other predators like hyenas and leopards.
- Habitat Loss
Lions are losing a lot of their habitat to farming and urbanization. - Trophy Hunting
Trophy hunting is a big threat to wild lions; people want to hunt the biggest and best male which is not good for the general health of the lion population. - Considered: Vulnerable
do
hunting!
up to
a day!
