Male African lion resting in the savanna

African Lion

Panthera leo

Conservation Status Vulnerable (IUCN)
Population ~23,000 in the wild
Habitat Sub-Saharan Africa

Overview

African lions are the only truly social cats, living in family groups called prides. Once found across Africa, Asia, and Europe, their range has shrunk dramatically. Today they inhabit the savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, with a small critically endangered population of Asiatic lions in India's Gir Forest. Lions are apex predators and keystone species whose presence helps regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.

Physical Characteristics

Mane Variations

Male lions sport iconic manes ranging from blonde to black. Darker, fuller manes often indicate better health and higher testosterone levels, making those males more attractive to females and more intimidating to rivals.

Size & Strength

Adult males weigh 330–550 lb (150–250 kg) and can reach 10 feet in length including the tail. They can sprint at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) in short bursts and have powerful forelegs capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves.

Night Vision

Lions have excellent night vision, roughly six times more sensitive to light than humans, giving them a significant advantage as primarily nocturnal hunters.

Social Behavior

Pride Structure

A typical pride consists of 2–3 related males, 5–15 related females, and their cubs. The females are the core of the pride and usually remain with the group for life.

Cooperative Hunting

Lionesses are the primary hunters, working together in coordinated ambushes. They strategically fan out to surround prey before attacking from multiple angles.

Communication

Lions communicate through roars audible up to 5 miles (8 km) away, as well as grunts, purrs, and head rubbing. Roaring helps prides mark territory and stay in contact.

Cub Rearing

Females in a pride often give birth around the same time and communally nurse and care for each other's cubs, creating a protective crèche system.

Diet & Hunting

Prey

Lions primarily hunt large ungulates including wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species. They are also opportunistic scavengers, often stealing kills from hyenas and other predators.

Hunting Strategy

Most hunts take place at night or during dawn and dusk. Lions rely on teamwork and ambush tactics rather than sustained chasing, since they lack the stamina for prolonged pursuits.

Threats & Conservation

Habitat Loss

Expanding human settlements and agriculture have fragmented lion habitat across Africa, isolating populations and reducing prey availability.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Retaliatory killings by livestock herders remain a leading cause of lion deaths. As human populations expand into lion territory, conflicts intensify.

Conservation Efforts

Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and Panthera work to create wildlife corridors, support community-based conservation, and implement livestock protection programs to reduce human-lion conflict.