The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the most iconic large cats in the world. Found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and a small population in India's Gir Forest, lions are renowned for their majestic manes and powerful roars that can be heard up to 8 kilometres away.
Lions are the only truly social cats, living in groups called prides that typically consist of related females, their cubs, and a small number of adult males. The females do most of the hunting, working together to take down large prey such as zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo.
A male lion's mane serves as both a symbol of strength and a form of protection during fights. Darker, fuller manes generally indicate a healthier and more dominant individual. Despite their reputation as fearsome predators, lions spend up to 20 hours a day resting and sleeping to conserve energy in the heat.
Unfortunately, lion populations have declined dramatically over the past century due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and trophy hunting. Today, lions are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 25,000 individuals remaining in the wild.