Lions (Panthera Leo)

lioness

A female lion.

savanna

A grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being widely spaced so that the canopy isn't connected and doesn't close. A typical habitat for lions.

pride

A group of lions that hunt and usually live and socialize together. Usually consist of females and their young, and sometimes a small number of males.

coalition

A group of male lions. Usually compete with each other for females.

White lion

A lion with a rare color mutation; although not different in any other way. They are only found in a wildlife preserve in South Africa, but although they are mostly bred to be hunted, their already few numbers are declining rapidly.

apex predator

A predator with no predator of its own; at the top of the food chain. A lion is an example .

rosette

A rose-like marking or formation found on the fur and skin of some animals, particularly cats of the family Felidae. Usually only found on lion cubs.

vulnerable species

A species that is threatened, but one degree lower than endangered. Lion population is an example, especially in Western Africa, mainly because of habitat loss and conflict with humans.

African lion

A type of lion living in all four regions of Africa. They usually weigh up to 550 lbs, and have full, long, and brownish manes.

Asiatic lion

A type of lion living in the Gir Forest Region of Northwest India. They usually weigh between 350 and 420 lbs, but have a sparse, scraggly mane.

cub

A young lion; one who hasn't reached adulthood yet.

Panthera leo

Also known as the lion, one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera of the family Felidae.

prey

An animal hunted and killed for food by another. Lions mostly hunt wildebeests, young elephants, zebras, buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes.

carnivore

An animal that relies solely on a diet of meat. The lion is an example.

grassland

An area where the vegetation is dominated by grasses. A typical habitat for lions.

keystone predator

An ecosystem engineer that shapes its habitat for the better of the environment. An example is a lion.

sexual dimorphism

An observable difference between the males and females of the same species. Lions and lionesses are an example.

crepuscular

Animals that are active primarily during dawn or dusk. Lions border this nature.

nocturnal

Animals that are usually asleep during the day and active at night. Lions are primarily active during the night and asleep during the day.

mane

Long, coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck. One of the lion's most important features.

matriarchal

Relating to a social system in which the mother is head of the family. This is sometimes used to describe a pride, since there are usually more lionesses in a pride, and they also stay in it longer.

Panthera

The genus of the family Felidae, (or cats) including lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards.

nomads

The label for a lion living by itself; not associated with a pride.

residents

The label for lions living in prides.