Watercolor illustration of Lion (Panthera leo)

Lion

Panthera leo

Vulnerable
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
15 years
Length
2.5 m
Weight
190.0 kg
Population
23.0K
Trend
↓ Decreasing

About

The largest wild cat in Africa, lions reach up to 250 kg and are the only social felids, living in prides across sub-Saharan savannas and grasslands. Males are distinguished by their iconic manes. As apex predators, they regulate herbivore populations and maintain ecosystem balance. Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Fun Facts

  • A lion's roar can be heard from 8 km away.
  • Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day.
  • Female lions do most of the hunting.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 7 distinct biome types spanning the Afrotropic and Neotropic and Oceanian realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Distributed across Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Diet & Behavior

🥩
Carnivore
Lion is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore
Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable
Estimated Population
23.0K
Population Trend
Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

Spanish León
French Lion d'Afrique
German Afrikanischer Löwe
Portuguese Leao

Similar Species in Panthera

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Lion?
The scientific name of Lion is Panthera leo. It belongs to the genus Panthera.
What is the conservation status of Lion?
Lion (Panthera leo) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.
Where does Lion live?
Lion is found in Distributed across Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya.
What family does Lion belong to?
Lion (Panthera leo) belongs to the genus Panthera, which is part of the taxonomic family Felidae.
What does Lion eat?
Lion is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does Lion live?
Lion has an average lifespan of approximately 15 years in the wild.
How many Lion are left in the wild?
The estimated wild population of Lion (Panthera leo) is approximately 23,000 individuals.
Is Lion endangered?
Yes, Lion (Panthera leo) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Native Range — 3 Countries

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