The lion is the second largest cat in the world,
the tiger being the largest. The lion lives in grasslands,
scrub and open woodlands of Africa.
Unlike other cats, lions are sociable. This means that they
like to be around other cats. They live in groups called
prides and each pride can include as many as thirty lions.
The size of the pride will depend on the amount of food
and water available nearby. If there is a shortage of
food, the pride will be smaller. Lions within a pride will call
out to their members by roaring. Their roar can be heard
up to five kilometres away!
Male and female lions have different jobs. Males lions are
in charge of protecting their territory. Their thick manes
around their necks help to protect them when they are
fighting their enemies.
Female lions are in charge of hunting food. They must
chase their food so they work as a team to bring an animal
down. They usually hurnt at night and prey on animals such
as buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and young elephants and
giraffe.
Lions are in fact quite lazy and spend between sixteen and
twenty hours sleeping everyday!
Female lions have between two and three babies called
cubs at a time. By the time they reach two years of age,
they are capable hunters. They are then forced out of the
pride.
