Description :
Lions are large cats with short, orange coats, white underparts, and long tails with a black tuft at the end
. They vary in color and size
Lions are the only cats with manes
Because of its strength and habits the lion is considered to be the ‘King of Beasts’.
General Characteristics
Length : Male – 8.5 to 10.8 feet / female – 8 to 9 feet
Weight : Male – 330 – 530 pounds / Female – 270 to 300 pounds
Height – average of 4 feet
Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions
Range – South Sahara to South Africa (for Africa lions) and North West India (for Asiatic Lion)
Habitat – Varies from rich grasslands to sands of desert
Diet – Other mammals such as Thompson’s gazelles, zebras, impalas, and wildebeests
Status -Only Asiatic lions are endangered
Predators – None
Reason for the status – Loss of habitat in India.
Lifespan – 15 years (24 years in captivity)
Gestation period – 100 – 119 days