Why African Lions Are the King of the Jungle

African Lions are the largest cat species in the world, weighing between 200-and 400 kg (440-880 lbs). They live in Saharan Africa, where they can be found in savanna woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and semi-deserts. Male lions weigh more than females due to their need to protect their territory and hunt prey. There is only 5% of the world's lion population left today. Lion cubs are born blind and deaf. By two months old, they have open eyes and start hearing sounds. A male lion’s roar has been measured at around 100 decibels, making it louder than a jet engine.

Lions are solitary animals that spend much time alone. There are three types of a lion: the maned lion (Panthera leo), the black-maned lion (Panthersa Leo melanochaita), and the spotted lion (Pantheras Leo persicus). Lionesses give birth to two cubs at a time. Cubs weigh between 100 and 150 pounds and can run after their mother in just over a minute. A male lion's roar can reach 130 decibels while a female's roar reaches only 90 decibels. Male lions typically have longer faces than females. This helps them to better detect prey.

Lions' eyesight is 20/20 compared to humans who have 20/200 vision. There are three types of lion populations: solitary, prides, and packs. Solitary males are the only ones who hunt alone. Prides consist of two to four adult females and their offspring. Packs are groups of lions that usually consist of a mother and her cubs. Lionesses are born blind and helpless. At birth, their eyes open at around five months old. Their ears open at eight weeks old and they begin to walk at nine weeks old. A pride's territory can range from 100 square miles to over 1,000 square miles.

Male lions are larger than female lions. Males weigh anywhere from 250 pounds to 600 pounds while females weigh anywhere from 150 pounds to 400 pounds. Lions are classified as carnivores because they eat meat. They eat everything from small rodents to antelopes to zebras. Lions are the largest cat species. They live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. There are 4 different types of a lion: African Lion, Asiatic Lion, Indochinese Lion, and Siberian Lion. Lions have been known to hunt in groups called pride. A pride consists of 1 male lion and 2 to 6 females. Females usually stay with their birth group until they reach sexual maturity. Males leave their birth group when they are between 5 and 7 years old.

Lions can run at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Their long legs allow them to cover great distances while hunting. Lions are solitary animals that do not form social bonds with other members of their pride. However, if two males with different feelings of pride meet, they may fight each other. Lions are territorial animals that mark out their territory using urine and feces. Lions are carnivores; however, they eat both meat and vegetation.