Lion

Lore & Background

During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged throughout Africa and Eurasia, from Southeast Europe to India. Still, it has been reduced to fragmented populations in sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern. The lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in literature and films. It is one of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions have occurred worldwide, particularly as a symbol of power and royalty. They figure prominently as symbols and deities in ancient religions.

In Their Own Story

The golden grasses of the Serengeti shimmer under the midday heat as a coalition of three males lies in the shade of an acacia tree, their manes dark against the sun. Nearby, a group of lionesses moves with silent precision through the tall stalks, eyes locked on a distant herd of buffalo. The air is still until a low rumble vibrates through the ground—a warning from the alpha male that signals the hunt has begun or the territory is under threat. As dusk falls, the savanna comes alive with the chorus of crickets and the distant, thunderous roar that echoes across the plains, marking the boundary of their domain.

Reader's Guide

The lion is an apex and keystone predator, preying mostly on medium-sized and large hooved mammals. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion pride consists of related females and cubs, and a few or one adult male who is unrelated to the females. Groups of female lions usually hunt together. Adult males often compete to keep or gain their membership in the pride. The mane of adult male lions extends from the head to the shoulders and chest; the source does not confirm that the mane darkens with age or serves as armor or advertisement, and notes that the hypothesis that the mane protects the neck in fights is disputed.

Did You Know?

• The lion is the only cat that forms social groups called prides.
• Lion populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s.
• The lion has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996.
• Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire.