Scientific name : Panthera leo
Family : Felidae
Native to : Africa and Asia
Interesting fact : Known as the king of the jungle.
Conservation status : The African lion is considered a vulnerable species and the Asiatic lion is endangered.
They are highly social and live in prides led by a male consisting of females and offspring and a small number of males. They may weigh 119-189 kg, measure 140-250 cm with a tail length of 70-105 cm and an average life span of 10-14 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity. Their hairy mane is their most distinctive characteristic. They are carnivores that usually prey on medium-sized animals. The lioness has a gestation period of 110 days after which 1-4 cubs are born.