August 10 World Lion Day || Facts about Lion

• Scientific name: Panthera Leo
  
  
• The lion and the house cat belong to the same family, Felidae. The lion (Panthera leo) is the second-largest cat in the Felidae family.

• The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa and India. There are many subspecies – with two being officially recognized:

1. Panthera leo leo (the African lion)
2. Panthera leo persica (the Asiatic lion)

• Lions are quite large, with the males weighing an average of 189kgs, while female lions weigh around 126kg.

• The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs and shrublands. The lion is an apex and keystone predator.

• The now extinct Panthera atrox, also known as the American Cave Lion, was much larger – about 25% larger than the modern lion.

• Lions live in groups called prides. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs.

• Lions are such big eaters; they can eat up to a quarter of their body weight in a single meal. That is about 40kg of meat.

• Life span: Lions live between 8-25 years

• It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43%.

• Hybrid lions exist
  
  Do you Know the Liger and Tigon?

Every August 10, people all over the world celebrate lions. They use this day to raise awareness about lion conservation.  This global observance aims to increase understanding about the conservation and safeguarding of lions.