African Lion
Panthera leo
- IUCN StatusVulnerable
- Population24,000
- DietCarnivore. They usually kill medium sized mammals, such as zebra, antelope and wildebeest. They often eat animals which have been killed by another hunter, such as hyenas.
- GroupPride
- Sizeup to 3 metres
- ContinentAfrica
- Lifespan16 years in the wild and up to 25 in Captivity.
- Weight150-250kg
- HabitatSavannas, plains, grasslands, dense bush and open woodlands.
- Scientific NamePanthera leo
Meet the African Lion
The roar of a lion can be heard up to 5 miles away. Lions are the only cats that live in groups called a pride, which can be up to 30 lions strong, depending on how much food and water is available.
They usually kill medium sized mammals, such as zebra, antelope and wildebeest. They often eat animals which have been killed by another predator, such as hyenas.
Introducing....
Mouse and Lorenzo
Did you know?
Here are just some of the many things to know about African Lions.
Why do male lions roar?
Primarily a lions roar is to mark its territory and show their power to other males. It may also be to scare off intruders.
Lionesses are the predators for food and the males are the protectors.
They spend up to 21 hours a day resting and sleeping.
Lions have terrific night vision.
They are thought to have evolved this way to hunt at night.
A Lion’s mouth contains thirty powerful teeth.
They have four large teeth at the front of their mouth called canine teeth used to hold and kill prey, very small teeth at the side called incisor teeth used for biting and have carnassials at the back used to slice flesh.
Lions do not have teeth to chew food, however, the tongue has rough hook-like structures to help break meat away from the bones.
Are lions sociable animals?
Yes they live in groups called prides and are the only social big cat.
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