An adult African lion walking through Serengeti grassland
Photo: Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mammal

African Lion Facts

Panthera leo

MammalSub-Saharan AfricaCarnivore

African lions are powerful social cats that live in prides across savannas and open woodlands. Cooperative hunting and shared care of cubs set them apart from most other cats.

Habitat
Grassland
Diet
Antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and other mammals
Lifespan
10–14 years

African Lion Facts at a Glance

African lions are powerful social cats that live in prides across savannas and open woodlands. Cooperative hunting and shared care of cubs set them apart from most other cats.

It belongs to the family Felidae in the order Carnivora. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; source links below support further reading.

African Lion Habitat

African Lions live in Grassland and Savanna habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their range depends on places that provide suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young.

What Do African Lions Eat?

African Lions are carnivore animals. Their diet includes Antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and other mammals, and the food available in their habitat shapes how they find, hunt, or forage for meals.

African Lion Lifespan, Size, and Weight

An african lion typically lives for 10–14 years. Adults measure about 137–250 cm and weigh around 120–250 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, habitat, and access to food.

African Lion Conservation Status

African Lion is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat
Grassland, Savanna
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10–14 years
Size
137–250 cm
Weight
120–250 kg

Fun facts

  • A lion pride usually includes related females, their cubs, and a coalition of males.
  • A lion's roar can carry for several kilometres across open habitat.
  • Lionesses perform most cooperative hunts for the pride.
  • Male manes vary in colour and become darker with age and condition.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under its linked license.