Lions

Lion (Panthera leo)
Range: Africa
Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)

Lions occur in scattered areas across Africa, and there is a tiny population in a sanctuary in India. They used to occur across regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean but have been hunted out of these areas by man. Fortunately, eco-tourism is helping these big cats. Because they tend to live in prides and prefer more open habitat they are one of the easiest big cats to observe, and the tourists love them for it. This has led to some protection for them.

Like tigers, lions occur in several different subspecies, and (also like tigers) several of these subspecies have been hunted to extinction. One of the more recent extinctions occurred with a small group along the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. Lions there had adapted to living on the beach, hunting seals, and scavenging fish. Unfortunately, nearby villagers shot all but one in an attempt to protect their livestock, ending this unique culture.

Recent DNA studies have shown that lions encountered a "genetic bottleneck" several thousand years ago. This was recent enough that lions have not had the opportunity to really break into clear subspecies again, meaning they are not broken into distinct groups by location like the tigers have been. Animals from different regions do demonstrate distinctive physical and behavioral traits. For example, lions living in a colder climate tend to have larger and thicker manes.

Like tigers, lions have been known to hunt and kill humans. Wild primates, such as chimpanzees, are a natural part of their diet. It is believed that lions learn to attack humans mostly when the lions are in a weakened state or when wild game is scarce. They are not afraid to enter human habitation, be it houses or tents, when they are driven to this extreme.

See CCI Activities related to Lions
   The Ohio Rescue

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