Lions being inhabitants of open country are mainly found in Africa – South of the Sahara. It was once found in Africa, Europe and Asia (but now mainly found in Africa).

Lions have no definite breeding seasons, thus cubs are born at any time of the year. The gestation period is about 108 days and the litter size is usually two nor three, rarely six. The newborn lion cub has a thick, dark – spotted coat; the markings usually disappear with maturity, but some individuals retain spots on the limbs, under parts, and flanks throughout life. Wild lions seldom live longer than 8 or 10 years; in captivity it may live 25 years or more.

Lions are always found in groups called the pride. The pride is based on one or more family units. The lions prey on large number of animals ranging from insects to antelopes and giraffes. The lioness does the hunting in groups. The prey is stalked patiently and is then run down in a short, rapid charge. While hunting in groups, some lie in ambush, while the others drive the game towards them.

Lions normally roar in the evening before the night’s hunt and before getting up at dawn. Lions also cough, grunts, and growls besides roaring.

The lions vary considerably in size and appearance, a muscular, powerful cat with long body, short legs and large head. A large male is about 3 meters (10 feet) long, including the tail; stands about 1 meter (3 feet) at the shoulder; and weighs up to about 230 kilograms (500 pounds). The female is much smaller compared to the male. The coat is short, pale yellowish to dark brownish with a tuft on the tail tip that is usually darker than the rest of the coat. The outstanding characteristic of the male lion, the mane (which distinguishes the male from the female – females don’t have a mane), differs with different individuals. It varies from none (in females) to very dark, almost black fringes on the face; or full and shaggy, covering back of the head, neck, shoulders and continuing onto the throat and chest to join the fringe along the belly giving them a majestic appearance. Captive lions generally have longer and fuller manes compared to the wild ones.