AFRICAN LION

Despite a uniform, brown to beige fur, the African lion (Panthera leo) is unmistakable. Standing at a shoulder height of a meter, the lion is the second-largest cat on the planet (after the tiger). Males develop a massive mane that varies in coloration from bright blond to dark black. While males can weigh up to 230 kg, females average at about 150 kg. Subadult lions are recognizable by a set of faint spots on their fur, which slowly disappear as they age. In contrast to leopards and cheetahs, which both have a white tail tip, a lion’s tail tip is black. Lions are the undisputed apex predators in the African savannah and fear little threat from other carnivores. Unless substantially outnumbered, lions will stand their ground against hyenas and wild dogs. They primarily predate on medium- to large-sized prey, including buffalo, zebra, giraffes, kudu, and, in some cases, even elephants. Lions live in prides, which improves their hunting success and enhances survival of their offspring. Although females conduct most of the hunting, males will typically feed first at a kill. Males that move into an already occupied territory will kill all cubs.