LION

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LION

Nearly all wild lions live in Africa, but one small population exists elsewhere. The African lion (Panthera leo leo) is found in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. The Asiatic lion (Panthera Leo persica) exists in one small population around Gir Forest National Park in western India

On average, male lions weigh 190kg (almost 30 stone) and females weigh 126kg (almost 20 stone) 

Most male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. These manes grow up to 16cm long and are a sign of dominance

Young lions have rosettes and spots on their sandy coats, but these generally disappear as they mature

 

A pride of lions is usually made up of related females and their cubs, plus a male or small group of males who defend their pride

 Lions can get most of their water from their prey and will even drink from plants such as the Tsamma melon

Lions can eat up to 40kg of meat in a single meal - around a quarter of their body weight

Lions do most of their hunting at night as their eyes have adapted to the dark

Lions are the only known cat species where individuals roar together - with even young cubs joining in with their mews

In the wild, lions live for an average of 12 years and up to 16 years. They live up to 25 years in captivity

Lions run at a speed of up to 81kmph

Often known as the ‘king of the jungle’, most lions live in the savannah or grasslands

Lions hunt large animals such as zebras and wildebeest

These facts highlight the lion's unique characteristics and behaviors, reinforcing why it is often referred to as the 'King of the Jungle'