Lion | Characteristics, Habitat, & Facts

General Characteristics

• Scientific name: Panthera leo
• Large, powerfully built cat, second in size only to the tiger.
• Males are distinguished by a mane, which can vary significantly among individuals.
  • The mane can be absent, fringe the face, or cover the back of the head, neck, and shoulders.
  • Manes may serve to intimidate rivals and impress mates.
• Size differences between sexes:
  • Males: 1.8-2.1 meters long, excluding the tail; weigh 170-230 kg.
  • Females: 1.5 meters long; weigh 120-180 kg.
• Coat color ranges from buff yellow to dark brown, with darker tail tuft.

Habitats and Distribution

• Prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland.
• Historically widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa; now mainly found in Africa south of the Sahara.
• A small population of Asiatic lions exists in India's Gir National Park.

Prides

• Unique among cats for living in groups called prides.
• Prides consist of related females, a few males, and cubs.
• Each pride has a defined territory, defended against intruders.
• Territories vary in size depending on prey availability.
• Group living aids in hunting efficiency and cub defense.

Hunting

• Predominantly hunt medium to large hoofed animals.
• Lions also scavenge or steal kills from other predators.
• Lionesses primarily hunt, but males also participate.
• Hunts involve stalking and quickly attacking prey.
• Lions gorge on meals, then rest for days.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

• Polygamous; breeding throughout the year.
• Females restricted to pride males.
• Gestation period: ~108 days; litter size: 1-6 cubs.
• Cubs are born blind, weaned by 6-7 months.
• Sexual maturity at 3-4 years; females may stay with pride, males often become nomads.

Classification and Distribution

• Belong to family Felidae; genus Panthera includes leopards, jaguars, and tigers.
• Two main subspecies: Panthera leo leo and Panthera leo melanochaita.
• Historically more diverse across continents.

Conservation Status

• Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
• Main stronghold in sub-Saharan Africa; Asiatic lions only in India.
• Challenges include habitat loss, human conflict, and disease.
• Conservation efforts ongoing in several reserves and national parks.