Search results
Learn about the lion, the second largest cat in the world, and its habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status. Discover interesting facts about lion prides, manes, roars, hunting, and more.
- Savannas, Grasslands, Scrub, Open Woodlands
- 4.6-8.2 ft (1.4 to 2.5 m)
- 10-15 Years
- Lalmeida
- Nearly all wild lions live in Africa, but one small population exists elsewhere. In the wild, there are two formally recognised lion subspecies. The African lion (Panthera leo leo) is found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert.
- Male lions can weigh 30 stone. On average, male lions weigh 190kg (almost 30 stone) and females weigh 126kg (almost 20 stone). They need this weight and power behind them to hunt large prey and defend their pride.
- They start off spotty. Young lions have rosettes and spots on their sandy coats, but these generally disappear as they mature.
- The magnificent manes on male lions tell a story. Most male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. These manes grow up to 16cm long and are a sign of dominance.
4 days ago · Learn about the lion, the second largest cat and a famous apex predator. Find out how lions live in groups, hunt, and communicate with their distinctive roar.
- In the wild, lions usually live no more than 8 to 10 years because of attacks by humans or other lions, or the effects of goring or kicks from inte...
- Lions live in a variety of habitats but prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland. Historically, they lived across much of Europe,...
- A pride is a group of lions that live together. The members of a pride spend days in several scattered groups that meet to hunt or share a meal. Ea...
- Manes make male lions look larger than they really are, which may function to intimidate rivals and impress prospective mates. Manes vary from one...
- Lions usually hunt and eat medium-sized to large hoofed animals like wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes. They occasionally also prey on larger anim...
The lion ( Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane.
Learn about the habitat, behavior, diet, and threats of African lions, the second largest cats and the only ones that live in groups. See stunning images of these iconic animals and how they are protected by National Geographic and its partners.
Learn about lion behavior, diet, habitat, and more from this web page. Find out how lions live in groups called prides, hunt in teams, and roar to defend their territory.
Learn about lion facts, threats, and conservation efforts by WWF. Lions are vulnerable big cats that live in groups, hunt at night, and roar to mark their territory.