Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219404
Lion
Panthera leoAlso known as African Lion, Asiatic Lion
Lions are the only truly social wild cats, living in cohesive prides composed of related females, their offspring, and a coalition of resident males. Roars can echo up to eight kilometers away, serving to proclaim territory and maintain contact among pride members across open landscapes. As apex predators, they orchestrate coordinated group hunts primarily at night, targeting large ungulates to sustain the pride.
SocialApex PredatorMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Plains Zebra
- Blue Wildebeest
- African Buffalo
Predators
- Spotted Hyena
- Nile Crocodile
ThreatsHabitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, retaliatory killings, poaching, prey depletion
HabitatsSavannas, grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands, semi-deserts
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Size / weight1.4–2.5 m long; 120–250 kg
Classification
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyFelidae
- GenusPanthera
- SpeciesPanthera leo
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large apex predator capable of fatal attacks; observe only from an enclosed safari vehicle at a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Massive bite force, muscular build, and predatory instincts make lions fully capable of inflicting fatal injuries on humans.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Massive felids with short tawny coats, rounded ears, and dark tail tufts, with adult males bearing broad dark manes.
- What to do
- Remain inside a secure vehicle at all times while viewing lions in the wild, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by their impressive size, social group arrangements, and distinctive roaring calls across open terrain.
- Support conservation
- Support responsible ecotourism that funds protected area management, and never disturb resting or hunting prides.
Responsible observation
- Safari Etiquette: Keep all body parts inside the vehicle and speak softly to avoid disrupting natural pride behavior.
- Night Sightings: Avoid shining bright white lights directly into eyes during night drives to protect nocturnal vision.
- Recognizing Stress: Watch for flattened ears, twitching tail tips, or low growls indicating agitation.
Competitor Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Prey Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Prey (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Raja bandi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raja bandi · cc-by
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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