Habitat: Open savanna and desert areas of Africa south of the Sahara. Also a small population in the Gir National Park in northwest India.
Description: The most sexually dimorphic cat species. Males are not only much larger then females, but they also carry the familiar mane over their head, neck and shoulders. ("The Lion's Share" comes from the male's habit of eating before the rest of the pride.)
Adaptations/Habitat: Unlike most other big cats, lions live in groups, roar, are diurnal, and prefer open areas. These characteristics make them vulnerable to humans. The mane of the males protects the neck area during competitive fights. They are the only cat species to live in permanent groups. The group size is dependent upon prey availability. Each pride has a social dominance hierarchy based on strength. The females are all related and do most of the hunting. Their home range may cover as much as 100 square miles. Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day. Their tawny color acts as camouflage to hide them from their prey. They have retractable claws. Their teeth are designed for stabbing, biting and slicing. The tongue is rough enought to scrape meat off bones, and is also used for grooming.
Breeding/Growth: Female lions are polyestrous, breeding throughout the year and peaking in the rainy season. Female lions tend to have cubs every 2 years. However, if a female's cubs are killed (usually by an intruding male lion), then the female comes into estrus early and has more cubs. Females are able to breed at 4 years of age and males at 5 years.
One to six cubs are born after a 3.5 month gestation period. Newborn cubs weigh 2.2 - 4.4 lbs. Eyes typically open by 11 days, cubs can walk by 15 days and are able to run by 1 month of age. Mother lions keep their cubs in hiding until they reach about 8 weeks of age. The cubs are weaned between 7 and 10 months, however they are dependent upon adults in the pride until they are at least 16 months old.
Diet: Carnivores who feed mostly on ungulates such as: antelope, zebra, and buffalo; as well as smaller animals. In our Zoo, they eat beef, and get bones at least once a week.
