The lion (Panthera leo) is a large, powerfully built cat that is second in size only to the tiger. It is known as the “king of beasts” and has been one of the best-known wild animals since earliest times. Lions are most active at night and live in a variety of habitats but prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland.
The male lion’s outstanding characteristic is his mane, which varies between different individuals and populations. It may be entirely lacking; it may fringe the face; or it may be full and shaggy, covering the back of the head, neck, and shoulders and continuing onto the throat and chest to join a fringe along the belly.
Lions are unique among cats in that they live in a group, or pride. A pride consists of several generations of lionesses, some of which are related, a smaller number of breeding males, and their cubs.
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The lion (Panthera leo) is a large, powerfully built cat that is second in size only to the tiger. It is known as the “king of beasts” and has been one of the best-known wild animals since earliest times. Lions are most active at night and live in a variety of habitats but prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland.
The male lion’s outstanding characteristic is his mane, which varies between different individuals and populations. It may be entirely lacking; it may fringe the face; or it may be full and shaggy, covering the back of the head, neck, and shoulders and continuing onto the throat and chest to join a fringe along the belly.
Lions are unique among cats in that they live in a group, or pride. A pride consists of several generations of lionesses, some of which are related, a smaller number of breeding males, and their cubs.