Scientific Name:
Panthera leo bleyenberghi
Distribution
S. Zaire, Zambia, Angola.
Diet:
Carnivore. Medium to large sized ungulates from antelopes to elephants and giraffes, as well as reptiles, fish and even insects.
Facts
Habitat: Savannah, grassy plains.
Dimensions: height 1.23m max, length 2,50m max.
Weight: males 250kg max, females 190kg max
Gestation: 110 days, 2-4 young
Lifespan: 12-16
Social structure: Prides of 4-6 up to 39 members. Lions are the most social cat, with related females living together in prides and males forming coalitions of up to 7 members
Estimated population in the wild: Unknown.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
Threats: Killing by locals for protection of livestock, habitat loss and reduction of prey.
Did you know that:
- Their roar is heard up to 5km away helping to demarcate territory.
- They sleep at least 20 hours a day.
- They are the most social cat, with related females living together in prides and males forming coalitions of up to 7 members.
- They can prey on animals many times their size, such as hippos and rhinos.