Lion

The conservation status of the lion is Vulnerable. Although sightings of lion in Southern African parks are still common, lion have suffered severe reductions across their historic range. They are extinct in about 95% of that range, with about 23,000 adult and subadult individuals left in the wild. Habitat loss and conflict with humans drove major declines through the 20th century. Since protective measures and conservation programs expanded late in the century, some Southern African populations have stabilized or grown, but the species remains far below historical numbers of about 200,000.

Lion are well adapted to most habitats in Africa, with notable exceptions such as the rainforests of the Congo Basin and the Sahara. They usually occur in savanna grassland or dry semi-desert areas where scattered Acacia trees provide shade during the day. Excellent night vision and thick grass cover are ideal for catching prey in the evening. Lion require nearby water and an adequate supply of game wherever you find them. Desert lion are found in Namibia and occur in lower densities than counterparts in the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Lion are usually organized in groups known as prides. The size of a pride varies, but generally there are about five lioness, their cubs, and one or two male lion, though only one is typically the alpha male. Prides of well over 30 members are documented. Lioness are generally responsible for hunting and caring for cubs. All the lioness will nurture and care for all cubs, regardless of maternity. Males protect the pride and sit at the top of the pecking order. Each pride has a territory marked by male lion scent-marking along borders. These territories are roughly 260 square kilometers or 100 square miles, though they may be smaller in higher rainfall areas.

Both male and female lion produce a roar audible up to about 8 kilometers and recognized as one of the defining sounds of the savanna. They are inactive most of the day, sleeping up to 20 hours while waiting for night cover to pursue a hunt. Males rest more than females because they do not hunt regularly or care for offspring and are called into action for protection or territorial disputes. However, males sometimes participate in hunting when the pride targets big prey or has gone without food. Lioness regularly groom themselves and cubs to remove ticks and other parasites. Juvenile males are often seen in small bachelor groups if they do not have a pride.

In a pride, all lioness typically carry offspring of the dominant male. Lion and leopard have similar mating rituals, with pairs mating roughly every 15–20 minutes over several days. This increases the chance of conception; after about 110 days, the lioness gives birth to a litter of 1–3 cubs. If there are cubs of other males when a new male takes over, those cubs may be killed and the male will sire his own offspring. Males reach sexual maturity at approximately five years and females at four years.

Lion have no natural predators aside from other lion. Males often fight when a pride’s territory is violated or when a male challenges a pride’s leadership. Such conflicts can be severe and occasionally fatal. Other threats may include crocodile, especially in disputes over carcasses, though lion generally avoid challenges in water. Humans remain the leading cause of lion mortality through poaching and habitat loss. Climate variability also affects populations in desert regions as prey becomes scarce during prolonged droughts.