lion
Sign in to saveThe lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, currently ranging only in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane that which extends from the head to the shoulders and chest.
AI overview
The lion is a large, muscular cat found in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, distinguished by its powerful build, rounded head, and the males' prominent mane extending from head to chest. Lions matter as one of the largest wild cats in their regions, making them significant members of their ecosystems and important subjects of scientific and conservation interest.
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Wikidata facts
Show 11 more facts
- P105
- species
- P1403
- Felis leo
- P141
- Vulnerable
- P910
- Category:Lions
- P1552
Article
34 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy
- Subspecies
- Fossil records
- Evolution
- Hybrids
- Description
- Size
- Mane
- Colour variation
- Distribution and habitat
- Historical range
- Behaviour and ecology
- Group organisation
- Hunting and diet
- Predatory competition
- Reproduction and life cycle
- Health and mortality
- Communication
- Conservation
- In Africa
- In Asia
- Captive breeding
- Interactions with humans
- In zoos and circuses
- Hunting and games
- Man-eating
- Cultural significance
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Citations
- Books
- External links
The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, currently ranging only in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane that which extends from the head to the shoulders and chest.
The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. It is an apex and keystone predator, preying mostly on medium-sized and large ungulates. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion pride consists of related females and cubs, and a few or one adult male who is unrelated to the females. Groups of female lions usually hunt together. Adult males often compete to keep or gain their membership in the pride.