The Lion

Order:
Carnivora

Family:
Felidae

Genus and Species:
Panthera leo

Weight and Length:
450-550 pounds
Males: 9 ft ( 3 ft. tail included)
Females are smaller.

Habitat:
African grasslands, south of the Sahara

Social Behavior:
Live in prides of 20-30 individuals
Male:
Strongly territorial, males fight to win dominance over pride. Some times this fight ends in death of the opponent.
Female:
Ferocious when defending their cubs. They share maternal duties when the rest of the pack is hunting and/or when a cubs' mother is dead.

Breeding:
Females breed every two years. They have 2-5 cubs.

Food:
Prefer wildebeest and zebra.
When prey is scarce, they resort to hunting giraffe, and buffalo. If they are really desperate, they'll eat carrion.

When They Hunt:
Lionesses hunt at dusk.
Their excellent eyesight and successful plan play a key role in the hunt.

Conservation Status:
Endangered and a protected species.

Interesting information:
The male lion takes no part in hunting but when there is a catch, he is the first to eat.
Cubs are born blind and have spotted coats.
Lions are the largest and most powerful of the African carnivores.
Male lions' tawny mane darkens with age.