Scientific Name – Panthera Leo

Classification – Carnivore

Gender Names – Male – Lion; Female – Lioness;  Baby – Cub

Collective Noun – Pride

Average Height – 1.2 m (4 feet)

Average Length – 1.5 – 2.4 m (5 – 8 feet)

Average Weight – Males – 150-227 kg (330-550Ibs) Females – 120-190 kg (260-400Ibs)

Top Speed – 80 km/h (50 mph)

Life Expectancy – 13-18 years in wild; 25-30 years in captivity

Mating Season – No specific time

Pregnancy – 100-120 days.

Special Features – Male lions have a mane which darkens with age, eventually turning dark brown.

Family Unit – Lions live in groups called a pride consisting of female lions and their cubs. Sometimes a male will join a pride but others prefer to remain solitary. Female lions do all the hunting and are the food providers while any males will defend the group.

Geographical Distribution – Sub-Saharan Africa (Central and Southern Africa)

World Population – 16,500 – 47,000

Conservation Status – Vulnerable

Natural Habitat – Grassy plains, Savannas, Semi-deserts

Diet – Carnivore (meat eater) – giraffe, buffalo, antelope, zebra, wildebeest, wild hogs

Predators – Adults – man; Babies – rival male lions, other predators.

 

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