Lion Panthera leo
Description
Adult lions have a plain, unspotted coat that is light brown to ocher in color. Cubs are born with spots that sometimes persist on the legs and belly until maturity. Males have a mane which tends to grow fuller and darker with age. The tail has a black tuft at the end. Males stand 48.5 inches at the shoulder and have a head and body length of 67 to 98.5 inches. The tail is 35.5 to 41.25 inches and the weight for males is 330 to 550 pounds. Females stand 42.25 inches at the shoulder. Their head and body length is 55 to 69 inches and the tail is 27.5 to 39.25 inches. Their weight is 265 to 400 pounds.
The best known of the cats, lions are also the most social, living in prides that range in size from 3 to 30 individuals. This variance is dependent on the availability of prey. Related females and their cubs form the core. Because of its strength and predatory habits, the lion has long been known as the King of Beasts. Yet in the wild lions sleep 16 to 20 hours a day. Sexual dimorphism among lions is unique among the cats.
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Range
The range of the lion is Africa, south of the Sahara to Botswana as well as a remnant population of Asian lions in Gir Forest of western India.
Habitat
Lions inhabit grassy plains, savannas, arid woodlands, and semi-desert terrain.
Gestation
Gestation last between 98 to 115 days.
Litter
1-6
Behavior
The best known of the cats, lions are also the most social, living in prides that range in size from 3-30 individuals. This variance is dependent on the availability of prey. Related females and their cubs form the core. Daughters usually become members of the pride, though some leave as soon as they reach maturity in their search for a mate. They may return to their natal pride later in life. While the female population of a pride remains stable, males are transient, staying as little as a couple of months or as long as six years, until they're driven off by other males. A pride may have anywhere from 1-7 males. Lions have a top speed of 40 mph over short distances. Both males and females have been known to climb trees.
Reproduction
Lions have no fixed breeding season and usually all females in a pride will come into estrus and give birth at the same time. Cubs are raised communally and can suckle from any lactating female. Young stay with their mothers for 2 years. Eyes may be open at birth or take 2 weeks to open. Cubs follow the mother by 3 months and are weaned after 6-7 months. While cubs participate in kills at 11 months, they are fully dependent on adults for food until 16 months. They are probably incapable of survival on their own before 30 months. Sexual maturity comes at 3-4 years, though growth continues to 6 years.
Diet (Wild)
Buffalo, zebra, antelope, wildebeest, warthog, carrion
Conservation Status
Primary Threats
Human Wildlife Coexistence, Climate Change
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