The Lion, (panthera leo), one of the most popular of all animals has been crowned "king of
the beasts". Lions have been associated with courage, strength, beauty, and nobility
throughout the ages. The Egyptians used a lion's body and a man's head (in the form of the
Sphinx) to stand at eternal guard over their god-king's tomb. What other creature besides
the lion would have the ferocity and courage to withstand this endless vigil in the heat and
wind of the mighty Sahara? In the Middle Ages the lion graced the shields of noblemen,
warning those that dared to take up sword against them of the ferocity and power they would
encounter. The lion is a stealthy, powerful predator that can run forty miles per hour (64
kph), leap twelve feet (3.7 meters), and pull down many different huge species of African
wildlife. Our image of the African lion is as much legend as fact. The information that follows
is a compilation of what numerous experts consider to be the facts about this incredible big
cat.
the beasts". Lions have been associated with courage, strength, beauty, and nobility
throughout the ages. The Egyptians used a lion's body and a man's head (in the form of the
Sphinx) to stand at eternal guard over their god-king's tomb. What other creature besides
the lion would have the ferocity and courage to withstand this endless vigil in the heat and
wind of the mighty Sahara? In the Middle Ages the lion graced the shields of noblemen,
warning those that dared to take up sword against them of the ferocity and power they would
encounter. The lion is a stealthy, powerful predator that can run forty miles per hour (64
kph), leap twelve feet (3.7 meters), and pull down many different huge species of African
wildlife. Our image of the African lion is as much legend as fact. The information that follows
is a compilation of what numerous experts consider to be the facts about this incredible big
cat.
Size:
Male
Length: 6 - 10.5 feet (1.8 -3.2 meters)
Shoulder height: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
Tail: 3.3 feet (1 meter)
Weight: 250- 500 pounds (113.4-227 kilograms)
Female
Length: 5 -9 feet (1.5 - 2.7 meters)
Shoulder height: 3.4 feet (1 meter)
Tail: 3.3 feet ( 1 meter)
Weight: 250 - 330 pounds (113.4 -150 kilograms)
Male
Length: 6 - 10.5 feet (1.8 -3.2 meters)
Shoulder height: 4 feet (1.2 meters)
Tail: 3.3 feet (1 meter)
Weight: 250- 500 pounds (113.4-227 kilograms)
Female
Length: 5 -9 feet (1.5 - 2.7 meters)
Shoulder height: 3.4 feet (1 meter)
Tail: 3.3 feet ( 1 meter)
Weight: 250 - 330 pounds (113.4 -150 kilograms)
Scientific Classification
Common Name: African Lion
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Species: Panthera leo
Common Name: African Lion
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Species: Panthera leo
Color:
Tawny to reddish gray.
Mane- black, tawny or blond
Tail- black tipped
Cubs sport grayish spots on their coat that fade to adult color by the third month of life.
Tawny to reddish gray.
Mane- black, tawny or blond
Tail- black tipped
Cubs sport grayish spots on their coat that fade to adult color by the third month of life.
Photo: Male Lion in the bush Copyright - D.M. Powers 2007
Conservation Status:
The African lion is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (the World Conservation Union)
This is due to the continuing decline of their population as habitat is lost. This
organization estimates current populations to be 23,000 to 39,000. West African lions,
according to the IUCN, are endangered with numbers less than 1,500. They are largely
confined to National Parks and game reserves on the African continent.
The African lion is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (the World Conservation Union)
This is due to the continuing decline of their population as habitat is lost. This
organization estimates current populations to be 23,000 to 39,000. West African lions,
according to the IUCN, are endangered with numbers less than 1,500. They are largely
confined to National Parks and game reserves on the African continent.
Distribution:
In ancient times the lion inhabited Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. Today
they are found only in sub-Saharan Africa and a small number inhabit a sanctuary in the
Gir Forest of India. The lion prefers savannah grasslands sparsely covered with Acacia
trees and drought resistant shrubs. They are not found in the Congo Rain forest region
of Africa.
In ancient times the lion inhabited Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. Today
they are found only in sub-Saharan Africa and a small number inhabit a sanctuary in the
Gir Forest of India. The lion prefers savannah grasslands sparsely covered with Acacia
trees and drought resistant shrubs. They are not found in the Congo Rain forest region
of Africa.
Diet/Prey:
Antelopes, gazelles, warthogs, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, small elephants, small
hippos and other small animals such as birds, hares, rodents, reptiles.
In addition, lions scavenge other animals' kills.
Antelopes, gazelles, warthogs, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, small elephants, small
hippos and other small animals such as birds, hares, rodents, reptiles.
In addition, lions scavenge other animals' kills.
Sleep:
African lions, the second largest of the big cats, rest or sleep up to
20 hours a day. Observers theorize that they must conserve their
energy for the next hunt in the intense heat of Africa, where they
walk five to fifteen miles per day. In addition, lions go long periods
between kills (up to a week at a time).
African lions, the second largest of the big cats, rest or sleep up to
20 hours a day. Observers theorize that they must conserve their
energy for the next hunt in the intense heat of Africa, where they
walk five to fifteen miles per day. In addition, lions go long periods
between kills (up to a week at a time).
Roar:
Experts estimate that the lion's roar can be heard anywhere from four miles (6.4km) to
seven miles (11.2km). This can obviously depend on atmospheric conditions,
vegetation,size and many other factors. Lions roar for many reasons,among them
communicating with other members of their pride and warning strange lions not to
hunt in their territory. These intruders can pay with their life if they ignore these
territorial roars.
Experts estimate that the lion's roar can be heard anywhere from four miles (6.4km) to
seven miles (11.2km). This can obviously depend on atmospheric conditions,
vegetation,size and many other factors. Lions roar for many reasons,among them
communicating with other members of their pride and warning strange lions not to
hunt in their territory. These intruders can pay with their life if they ignore these
territorial roars.
Social Structure:
The social structure of lions can be one of two types: a large group called a pride or
nomads that are comprised of either a single animal or just a few lions. Experts vary
somewhat in their estimates of the size of a pride, but there seems to be agreement that
normally this group is composed of three to thirty members. Experts agree that the pride
includes one to four adult males, several to eighteen related adult females, their cubs and
sub-adults. Males are only temporary members of the pride, sometimes being a member
for a few years. Females stay with their pride throughout their lives. Male cubs leave or
are driven from the pride at around three years of age when they reach maturity. These
adult males become nomads until they can take over another pride. This will normally
occur after age five, if it occurs at all. Nomadic adult males may join together to take over a
pride. Some of these males will remain as non-breeding members of the pride, whose role
is to help maintain the pride and its territory. The area of a pride's territory can vary due
to many factors including pride size, availability of food and water as well as other factors.
Experts estimate this territory to be anywhere from seven to twenty-one square miles.
The social structure of lions can be one of two types: a large group called a pride or
nomads that are comprised of either a single animal or just a few lions. Experts vary
somewhat in their estimates of the size of a pride, but there seems to be agreement that
normally this group is composed of three to thirty members. Experts agree that the pride
includes one to four adult males, several to eighteen related adult females, their cubs and
sub-adults. Males are only temporary members of the pride, sometimes being a member
for a few years. Females stay with their pride throughout their lives. Male cubs leave or
are driven from the pride at around three years of age when they reach maturity. These
adult males become nomads until they can take over another pride. This will normally
occur after age five, if it occurs at all. Nomadic adult males may join together to take over a
pride. Some of these males will remain as non-breeding members of the pride, whose role
is to help maintain the pride and its territory. The area of a pride's territory can vary due
to many factors including pride size, availability of food and water as well as other factors.
Experts estimate this territory to be anywhere from seven to twenty-one square miles.
Photo: Two Sisters -
Copyright
D. M. Powers 2007
Copyright
D. M. Powers 2007
Photo: Hunting Party in Botswana, Africa
Copyright D. M. Powers 2007
Copyright D. M. Powers 2007
Hunting:
Cooperative hunting is a strength of the pride. Although the lion and lioness have extremely strong
forelegs and shoulders that allow them to pull large prey to the ground, their prey are often faster and
possess much greater endurance. To offset this advantage, lions often hunt in groups. Most often
females take part in the hunt. The hunt normally takes place in the dark of night or during cooler parts
of the day. The lions rely heavily on their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing. The group first
encircles its prey, hiding and crouching in the tall grass. Others slowly stalk and creep up on their
quarry and get as close as possible before exploding into a chase that will force their unwitting victim in
to the trap that has been set for them. The victim is normally suffocated by a lion who clamps down on
their throat, mouth or nose. Once the kill is made, the male moves in to eat his fill and leaves what he
does not want for the remainder of the pride. Since they may not make another kill for four to seven
days, the lions gorge when given the chance to eat consuming huge amounts of meat at one meal.
The lion, depending on its size, needs ten to fifteen pounds (4.54 to 6.8 kg) of meat per day to sustain
its massive body.
Cooperative hunting is a strength of the pride. Although the lion and lioness have extremely strong
forelegs and shoulders that allow them to pull large prey to the ground, their prey are often faster and
possess much greater endurance. To offset this advantage, lions often hunt in groups. Most often
females take part in the hunt. The hunt normally takes place in the dark of night or during cooler parts
of the day. The lions rely heavily on their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing. The group first
encircles its prey, hiding and crouching in the tall grass. Others slowly stalk and creep up on their
quarry and get as close as possible before exploding into a chase that will force their unwitting victim in
to the trap that has been set for them. The victim is normally suffocated by a lion who clamps down on
their throat, mouth or nose. Once the kill is made, the male moves in to eat his fill and leaves what he
does not want for the remainder of the pride. Since they may not make another kill for four to seven
days, the lions gorge when given the chance to eat consuming huge amounts of meat at one meal.
The lion, depending on its size, needs ten to fifteen pounds (4.54 to 6.8 kg) of meat per day to sustain
its massive body.
Life Cycle:
Experts differ in their estimates of the lion's longevity, but most seem to agree that their natural
lifespan is approximately ten to eighteen years in the wild and upwards of twenty years in captivity.
Many lions never reach this potential and die violent deaths. They are killed by other lions in
conflicts over territory or prides, during a hunt by their prey, or are killed by humans.
Experts differ in their estimates of the lion's longevity, but most seem to agree that their natural
lifespan is approximately ten to eighteen years in the wild and upwards of twenty years in captivity.
Many lions never reach this potential and die violent deaths. They are killed by other lions in
conflicts over territory or prides, during a hunt by their prey, or are killed by humans.
Reproduction:
Number of cubs: Normally 1-4
Weight of cubs: 3.5 pounds (2.49 kg.)
Gestation: 3.5 months
Weaned: 6 months
Maturity: 3 years
Independent: 1.5 years
Breed: Females - around 3-4 years.
Males - when they can take over a pride-around 5 years.
Number of cubs: Normally 1-4
Weight of cubs: 3.5 pounds (2.49 kg.)
Gestation: 3.5 months
Weaned: 6 months
Maturity: 3 years
Independent: 1.5 years
Breed: Females - around 3-4 years.
Males - when they can take over a pride-around 5 years.
Other Data:
- Females often have cubs near the same time and share in their suckling and rearing.
-At least half of cubs will not make it to 2 years of age.
-Cubs move from place to place with their mothers. When they are small, she carries them one at
a time using her mouth.
-Cubs are blind and helpless at birth.
-Cubs are often killed by hyena, leopards, and male lions taking over the pride.
- Females often have cubs near the same time and share in their suckling and rearing.
-At least half of cubs will not make it to 2 years of age.
-Cubs move from place to place with their mothers. When they are small, she carries them one at
a time using her mouth.
-Cubs are blind and helpless at birth.
-Cubs are often killed by hyena, leopards, and male lions taking over the pride.
Attacks on Humans:
Usually lions do not attack humans unless provoked, but this certainly does occur. These
attacks most often occur at night.
Bibliography:
Stuart, Chris & Tilde. Field Guide To MAMMALS of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers
Ltd, 2001
Lion (2001) In The Encyclopedia of Mammals. (vol.1, pp.10 to 17). New York: Facts on File, Inc.
George B. Schaller (2005). Lion, in World Book. (vol. 12, pp. 340-343). Chicago: World Book, Inc.
http://www. Worldbook.com
Lion (2005). In Encyclopedia Americana (vol. 17, pp. 541-542). Danbury: Scholastic Library
Publishing, Inc.
Wikipedia (2007). Lion. Retrieved July, 2007: http://www. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lion.
African Wildlife Foundation. Lion. Retrieved July 2007: http://www. awf.org/content/wildlife/detail/Lion.
Busch Gardens hosting the website. Animals (2007) Lion. Retrieved July 2007
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chord
ata/craniata/mammals/carnivora/african-Lion.htm
The World Conservation Union hosting the website. IUCN(2007) The African Lion-assuring its
conservation in West and Central Africa. Retrieved from:
http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/news/African_Lion.htm
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