African Lion
Panthera leo
Classification
& Range
Along with all other cats, African lions are in the order Carnivora
and the family Felidae. Felidae
has 18 genera and 36 species.* Lions, along with the other big cats such as
tigers, leopards and jaguars, are in the genus Panthera.
Lions are found from
Habitat
Their primary habitat is grassy plains, savanna and open
woodlands.
Physical Characteristics
The head and body of males measure from 5.6-8.3 feet (1.7-2.5 m). The tail is
an additional 3-3.5 feet (0.9-1.1 m) in length. They stand approximately 4 feet
(1.2 m) at the shoulder. Females of the species are 4.6-6 feet (1.4-1.8 m) in
length with a similarily long tail. Females are
approximately 3.5 feet (1.1 m) at the shoulder. Male African lions weigh
between 330-550 pounds (150-250 kg), while females are 264-400 pounds (120-182
kg).
Both male and female lions
are tan in color, allowing them to camouflage among the light colored savanna
grasses. However, male and female African lions are sexually dimorphic (there
are observable physical differences between the sexes). Males have a mane that
can range in color from light to dark brown, to even black. The mane helps
protect the lion’s neck during fighting and make him appear larger to
competitors.
Life Span
In the wild, males 12-16 years, females 15-18 years. In captivity,
about 20 years.
Diet
Prey generally consists of wildebeest, zebra and the varied ungulates
(giraffes, buffalo and gazelles). Occasionally lions will hunt the young of
elephants, rhinoceros or hippopotamus. They also sometimes scavenge food,
chasing hyenas and other carnivores from their kills.