Species Overview
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Panthera
Species: Panthera leo
Life Span: 10–14 years (in the wild), up to 20 years in captivity
Weight: Males 150–250 kg (330–550 lbs)
Height: 1.0–1.2 meters (3.3–3.9 feet) at the shoulder
Length: 1.4–2.5 meters (4.6–8.2 feet) from head to tail
Animal Behavior and Habits
Activity: Primarily nocturnal – Lions are most active at night, dusk, and dawn, when they hunt and patrol their territory. They rest during the heat of the day.
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous – Lions hunt large herbivores such as antelope, buffalo, zebras, and sometimes smaller mammals. They often hunt in coordinated groups (prides) and are opportunistic feeders.
Social Structure: Social – Lions are the only truly social big cats, living in prides composed of related females, their offspring, and a few males. Males are typically ousted or replaced after a few years, while females stay with the pride.
Hunting Approach: Lions rely on cooperation during hunts, especially when targeting large prey. Females are the primary hunters, using stealth and teamwork to bring down prey. Males defend the pride and may assist with larger kills.
Habitat and Environment
Preferred Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, though they can also be found in some forested regions. Lions prefer areas with abundant prey and water sources.
Water Sources: Lions need access to water for drinking, but they can survive without it for several days if needed. They are often found near rivers, lakes, or waterholes.
Best Hunting Locations: Look for lions in areas with high densities of herbivores, especially near water sources or grazing grounds. Their prides often patrol specific territories, and hunting occurs near these areas.
Tracks and Trails: Large, rounded tracks with clear paw prints and distinct claw marks. Lion tracks are bigger than those of leopards or other big cats and are often found near water or dense cover.
Signs: Look for fresh kills, spoor (tracks), and piles of lion dung, often found near territorial boundaries or waterholes.
Hunting Time
Ideal Hunting Times: Early morning, late evening, and nighttime – Lions typically hunt during these times when it’s cooler and prey is more active.
Breeding Season: Lions breed year-round, with no specific peak season. Females give birth to 1–4 cubs after a gestation period of around 110 days. Cubs are raised by the pride.
Trophy Quality: Trophy hunting focuses on large male lions with impressive manes. A thick, dark mane is highly prized, as it indicates a dominant, mature male.
Use of Scent Lures: Scent lures are rarely used for lion hunting. Lions are often hunted by tracking them to their prides or water sources, where they tend to gather during early morning or evening hours.
