Lion
Panthera leo
- Where
- Mostly sub-Saharan Africa (a small population in India)
- Habitat
- Savannas and open woodlands
- Diet
- Carnivore — zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and more
- Size
- Large cat; males often have manes
- Lifespan
- About 10–14 years in the wild
- Conservation
- Vulnerable — protected parks and community programs help.
Fun Facts
- Lions are the most social big cats, living in prides.
- Female lions do much of the hunting together.
- A lion’s roar can carry for miles across the plains.
Learn More
Lions thrived on open grasslands where teamwork helps bring down large prey. A pride may include related females, cubs, and a few adult males.
Cubs learn by watching adults and playing hunting games.
Habitat loss and conflict with livestock are major challenges for wild lions today.