Lion

The lion (Panthera leo) is a member of the family Felidae and one of four "big cats" in the genus Panthera. Reaching up to 225 kg (500 lb), the lion is only slightly eclipsed in size by the tiger amongst felines, and both are significantly larger than any other cat. Although lions were once widespread throughout much of Africa, Asia, and Europe, they currently exist in the wild only in Africa, with a critically endangered remnant population in India. As a whole, the species is listed as "vulnerable"; it has seen a significant and possibly irreversible decline in numbers in its African range.

In the wild, lions live for approximately 10–14 years, while in captivity they can live over 20 years. Today lions are found only in tropical climates, but during the Ice age, they penetrated far north (even to Bering land bridge). They typically range across savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. It is an apex and keystone predator. Unusually for a cat, lions hunt together. Groups of female lions typically bring down prey, mostly large ungulates. The lion pride consists of related females and offspring and a small number of resident males. Lions are territorial and the pride, though not strictly hierarchical, is dominated by an adult male or coalition of males.

The male lion is highly distinctive and usually instantly recognized by its mane. The lion, particularly the face of the male, is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. It has been extensively depicted on sculptures, in paintings, on national flags and in films.