Lion | Animal Profile

Introduction

The King of The Jungle - The Lion. The lion is a large and powerful apex predator that has become one of the world's most famous wild animals. Famously featured in Disney's Lion King, Lions have been the highlight of many movies and conservation stories.

Behavior

Lions are most active at night. During these hours, they socialize, hunt, and groom. However, lions are only sometimes highly active. Lions spend about 20 hours a day resting.

A group of lions is called a pride. These prides typically consist of around 15 lions - most of the group comprises females. Females manage the pride and do not tolerate outside females joining the pride. Changes in prides only occur during death and birth.

Diet

As carnivores and apex predators, lions hunt various animals, from rodents to hippos. However, their primary diet includes wildebeests, antelopes, and zebras.

Lionesses do most of the hunting. The males typically get their food from the female's kills.

Physical Characteristics

Lions have powerful bodies with intense jaws built for hunting on the savanna. Male lions are known, which, based on length, is likely to determine the age of the lion. Both lions are tan-yellow, while males have a darker brown mane.

Breeding

Lions typically breed every one to two years, and the females give birth anywhere from one to four cubs. The cubs are born blind with spots on their coat that they will eventually lose with age. Cubs typically engage in their first hunts after they are 11 to 12 months old.

Location

With their preferred home in grassy plains, lions primarily live in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa.

Historically, lions could be found in Southern Europe, Asia, and most of the Central African Rainforests and the Sahara Desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are lions found?

   1. Lions primarily live in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa.

2. How long do lions live?

   1. 10-15 years.

3. How fast can lions run?

   1. 50mph

4. What do lions eat?

   1. Their primary diet includes wildebeests, antelopes, and zebras.

5. Are lions endangered?

   1. Lions are considered vulnerable, according to the IUCN Red List.