LION Panthera leo

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.