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The second largest cat in the world, after tigers, the lion can grow up to 500 pounds. Lions are found in savannas, grasslands and woodlands in eastern and southern Africa. In the wild, they can live up to 14 years. The male lion is unique among the cat species for its thick mane of hair encircling the neck and head. Lions range in color from yellow to dark brown, with a long tail that ends in a furry black tuft. Both male and female lions roar, a sound which can be heard as far as 5 miles away.
Unique among large cats, lions form close-knit social groups called prides, which average 15 individuals: 5 to 10 females, their young, and 2 to 3 territorial males. When lounging, lions engage in affectionate head rubbing, licking and purring. A lioness will birth 2 or 3 cubs which will become capable hunters by the age of 2 and fully mature by the age of six.
Males patrol their territory and protect the pride from intruders.
Because females are lighter and smaller, they do most of the hunting. They cooperate to hunt large prey, such as zebra, wildebeest, impala and kudu, by encircling a herd from different angles. Lions can run in short bursts up to 40 miles per hour to catch their prey, usually killing it with a quick bite to the neck.
The lion population is rapidly decreasing, estimated at between 16,000 and 25,000, down from an estimated 100,000 in the 1990s. The majority of the population lives in protected national parks. The greatest threats to the lion include habitat loss, limited availability of wild prey, and contact with humans. Most lions drink water daily if it is available, but can go without it for 5 days.
Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Nico Smith (reclining); Photo © Mark Wilson (2 lioness).
