Lion (King of the Jungle) (Panthera leo)
Page revised 12/26/2007
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  • Lion: (Panthera leo)
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Felidae
  • Genus: Panthera
  • Species: leo
  • Sub-Species:
    • P.l.leo - North Africa
    • P.l.azandica - Zaire
    • P.l.bleyenberghi - Angola
    • P.l.krugeri - South Africa
    • P.l.nubica - East Africa
    • P.l.senegalensis - West Africa
    • P.l.persica - Gir Forest, India
  • Body Length: Male 8 to 9 feet, female 7 to 8 feet
  • Tail Length: 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 feet
  • Weight: up to 550 lbs
  • Birth Weight: 2 to 4 lbs
  • Litter Size: 3 to 4 cubs average
SUMMARY: The symbol of power, steadfastness, aggression, and valor, the lion has a long association with the political, artistic, and mythical dealings of mankind. They are unique among the "big cats," due to their distinctive appearance and they are the most social of all living cats, living in prides of related females, their offspring and one or a few adult males. the lion is a powerfully built, muscular cat. The fur is short and generally uniform in color, ranging from grey/buff to reddish brown in coloration with the exception of the undersides which are often white, especially in females. The lion is the second largest of the cats (the tiger is the largest) and one of the world’s biggest land carnivores. Males can exceed 9 feet in head-to-tail length and stand as high as 3 ft at the shoulder.
See More Cheetah pictures Back to Big Cats Index See More Cheetah pictures View photos 1 thru 33 Read More About the Jaguar Read About the Lion