LIONS

The lion is a species in the family Felidae; it is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a reduced neck and round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail,adult male lions have a prominent mane, which is the most recognisable feature of the species.

Lions have tawny, or yellowish brown, fur. They grow to a length of about 10 feet (3 meters) and stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. Male lions are larger than the lionesses (females), weighing as much as five men or about 550 pounds (250 kilograms).

Lions have disappeared from North Africa and southwest Asia in historic times. Until the late Pleistocene, about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, across Eurasia from western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru.

Primary activities include hunting, eating, protecting territory, mating, establishing pack leadership and caring for the young. Male and female lions have different responsiblities. Males aim to establish and maintain dominance and father cubs. Females provide for and protect pride members.