| Scientific name: | Panthera leo |
| Conservation status: | Vulnerable (Decreasing populations) |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 14 years (Adult, In the wild) |
| Trophic level: | Carnivorous |
| Mass: | Adult Male: 190 kg, Adult Female: 130 kg |
More About Lions
Probably the most sought after member of Africa’s Big Five animals, lions are one of most recognizable animals around. Their trademark manes and resounding roars attract travelers from all over the world, though these social cats often receive little benefit.
Despite their popularity and fame, these cats are facing major threats to their existence; conservation travel to African communities to see lions in the wild can help make a major difference in efforts to protect them.
Most live in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, though at one time they were spread across the Middle East, much of India, and southern Europe. Currently, a small population of Asian Lions live in the Gir Forest of India, and are the only wild lions outside of Africa.
They are now extinct from 26 countries that they used to inhabit and their range has decreased more than 80 percent.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable / Population Trend: Decreasing
Lion numbers have dropped an estimated 30 percent over the past twenty years, to less than a total of 30,000. Their top threat is conflicts with humans, especially when they hunt livestock, often resulting in the owners hunting them. Trophy hunting is a controversial but popular recreational activity in Africa.