LION

Physical Characteristics
The lion is a magnificent animal that appears as a
symbol of power, courage and nobility on family
crests, coats of arms and national flags in many
civilizations. Lions at one time were found from
Greece through the Middle East to northern India, but
today only a very small population remains in India.
In the past lions lived in most parts of Africa, but are
now confined to the sub-Saharan region.

Mature male lions are unique among the cat species

for the thick mane of brown or black hair encircling
the head and neck. Both male and female lions roar,
a sound which can be heard as far as 8 kilometers
away.

Habitat
Lions are found in savannas, grasslands, dense bush
and woodlands.

Behavior
The lion is an exception to the usual solitary
existence of most cat species. It has developed a
social system based on teamwork, division of labor
and an extended but closed family unit. The average
pride consists of about 15 individuals: 5 to 10
females, their young, and 2 or 3 territorial males.
These are usually brothers or pride mates who have
formed a coalition to protect their females. Because
a nursing lioness will come into heat a few weeks
after the loss of cubs, males with newly won prides
will often kill existing cubs, enabling them to sire
their own. When resting, lions seem to enjoy good
fellowship with lots of touching, head rubbing, licking
and purring.

Litters consist of two or three cubs that weigh about

3 pounds each. Some mothers carefully nurture the
young; others may neglect or abandon them,
especially when food is scarce. Usually two or more
females in a pride give birth about the same time,
and the cubs are raised together. A lioness will
permit cubs other than her own to suckle, sometimes
enabling a neglected infant to survive. Capable
hunters by 2 years of age, lions become fully grown
between 5 and 6 years and normally live about 13
years.

Did You Know?

Most lions drink water daily if available, but can go
four or five days without it. Lions in arid areas seem
to obtain needed moisture from the stomach
contents of their prey.
When males take over a pride, they usually kill the
cubs. The females come into estrus and the new
males sire other cubs.