Point of interest
African lion
A big cat whose social life sets it apart from solitary predators.
Content language
Lions live in prides, which makes them unusual among cats. Related females and their young form the core of the group, accompanied by adult males. Shared life includes raising cubs, defending territory and obtaining food.
Lionesses play the leading role in group hunts. In the wild, lions mainly hunt large hoofed mammals. Several predators working together may find it easier to approach and surround prey, although not every attack succeeds.
The most conspicuous feature of an adult male is his mane. Its thickness and colour depend on several factors, including age and hormones. The appearance of a mane is therefore not a simple way of determining an animal’s exact age.
African lions are associated with open landscapes such as savannas, grassy plains and scrub. Their tawny coats differ from a tiger’s contrasting stripes. Roaring helps them communicate and announce their presence within a territory.
For children
The lion is a cat that often lives in a pride. The group includes related lionesses, their young and adult males. Lionesses have an important role in hunting together. Wild lions mainly hunt large hoofed mammals for food.
A male is easy to associate with a mane: the long hair around his head and neck. Manes differ in colour and thickness. They change as an animal grows older, among other things. African lions live on savannas, grassy plains and in scrub. Their roar sends a message to other lions and announces their presence in a territory. Pride members share hunting, caring for young and defending their home range.
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