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African Lion
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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