ALL ABOUT LIONS

Lions (Panthera leo) are large, powerful cats native to Africa and a small region of India. Known as the "king of the jungle," they are apex predators and social animals that live in groups called prides. Here are some key facts about lions:

Physical Characteristics

• Males have distinctive manes, which vary in color and size and help protect them during fights.
• Females are smaller and lack manes, but they are the primary hunters of the pride.
• Lions have strong, muscular bodies, sharp claws, and powerful jaws capable of delivering a crushing bite.

Habitat & Range

• They are mostly found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
• A small population of Asiatic lions exists in India’s Gir Forest.

Social Structure

• Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in prides that consist of related females, their cubs, and a few dominant males.
• Males defend the pride’s territory, while females work together to hunt.

Diet & Hunting

• Lions are carnivores and primarily hunt large herbivores like zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo.
• They use teamwork and strategy to take down prey.

Roaring & Communication

• A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles (8 km) away and is used to communicate with pride members and warn rivals.

Threats & Conservation

• Their population has declined due to habitat loss, human conflict, and poaching.
• Conservation efforts aim to protect them through national parks and reserves.