About LionsSize
Lions are the second-largest cat species — only tigers are physically larger. Lions typically stand about 4 feet tall and measure 5 to 8 feet in length, weighing between 265 and 550 lbs. Male lions are generally larger than lionesses, and a lion's tail alone can run 27 to 40 inches long.
Habitat
Lions are found almost exclusively in Africa, ranging from the edge of the Sahara to northern South Africa. A small population also survives in northwest India's Gir Forest, where an estimated 200 to 260 lions remain — considered endangered. Lion habitat ranges from open plains to thick brush and dry forests.
It is estimated that fewer than 21,000 lions remain in Africa.
Diet
Lions are carnivores that prey on impala, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and other animals native to their habitat. When food is scarce, they will even scavenge, stealing kills from hyenas and other predators. Male lions eat roughly 15 lbs of meat a day, and on occasion can consume up to 60 lbs in one sitting.
Hunting
Female lions do almost all of the hunting. They work in teams to stalk and attack prey, typically hunting at night under cover of darkness.
Social Structure & Communication
Lions reside in prides of up to 15 lions, typically made up of related females and their young, with a single male overseeing the group. Lions are affectionate with others in their pride, and young males are driven out once they are strong enough to challenge the dominant male's leadership. Male lions mark their territory with scent, and both males and females will defend the pride if attacked.
Lions are territorial and mark a range that can span up to 100 square miles. They communicate through physical contact — nuzzling and grooming pride members — as well as vocally, with purrs, snarls, hisses, and roars. A lion's roar is the loudest of any big cat.
A lion's roar can be heard over five miles away.
Birth & Gestation
A lioness gives birth in a den, removing herself and her cubs from the pride until they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Lionesses give birth to 3 to 4 cubs at a time, each weighing about 3 lbs at birth, and move their cubs between dens several times a month to avoid detection by predators. Lionesses carry their young for approximately 110 days and typically give birth every two years.
Cubs
Lion cubs can walk after about three weeks and are born with spots that fade as they age. Hyenas and leopards prey on cubs, and the mortality rate is high — an estimated 60 to 70 percent die before reaching age 2. Cubs stay with their mother for two years and are weaned at six to seven months.
Not all male lions have manes — some populations in East Africa are maneless.
Sexual Maturity & Life Span
Lions are considered sexually mature at 3 to 4 years of age. The average life span of a wild lion is approximately 15 years.
Athleticism
Lions are agile, capable climbers that will often rest in trees. They have short bursts of energy and activity, typically just after dusk, and spend a large share of their time resting — up to 21 hours a day napping and sleeping.
Appearance
Lions are the only cat species where males and females look distinctly different. Most male lions grow a thick, shaggy mane that makes them appear larger and helps intimidate rivals; lionesses do not. Lions have a yellow-gold coat with manes ranging from light blonde to black, and a long tail tipped with a tuft of fur. Their coloring lets them blend into the tall grasses of the plains and savannahs while stalking prey.
Unusual
Lions live in a matriarchal society — prides are run by the females, and adult lions have no natural predators.