Class: MAMMALIA

Order: CARNIVORA

Family: FELIDAE

Genus: PANTHERA

Species: LEO

The second-largest, behind the tiger, of the cats, and the largest predatory mammal of the African continent. In addition, the lion is the most sexually-dimorphic of any cat - where male lions sport a large mane which females do not possess*. Historically, the lion has been found throughout much of Africa, the middle East, as well as Asia Minor, as well as perhaps more north Europe. Today, lion populations are much fragmented, with 'dotted' populations in Africa, as well as some reserves of the Gir Forest in India. Traditionally, lions have been divided into some eleven sub-species - nine of these of the African continent - the North-East Congo Lion [P. l. azandica], Katanga Lion [P. l. bleyenberghi], South African Lion [P. l. krugeri], Nubian Lion [P. l. nubia], West African Lion [P. l. senegalensis], Barbary Lion [P. l. leo], and Cape Lion [P. l. melanochaita], the latter two of which were presumed extinct by the late 20th century, as well as two sub-species of Asiatic Lion - the extant Asiatic Lion [P. l. persica] and extinct Sri Lanka Lion [P. l. sinhaleyus]. More modern classification recognises only two of such - molecular study of lions indicates only two sub-species, the Northern Lion [P. l. leo], found in Northern Africa and the Gir Forest], as well as the Southern Lion [P. l. melanochaita], found in Southern Africa. Populations of lion differ in morphology, albeit to a lesser extent than the two recognised sub-species.

*Instances have occurred that lionesses have been found with more testosterone than is typical - and thus in addition to more male-esque behaviour, have themselves sported manes - though exactly what causes such alterations in testosterone level in females is unclear; and such lionesses have been observed mating - but never impregnated, indicative of sterility.

Lions today share a close relation with cave-lions [Panthera spelaea] – large cats native across Eurasia. Once considered as con-specific with modern lions, modern research suggests cave-lions were distinct of modern relatives. It is thought that of prey-animals in Eurasia, some populations of cave-lions may have eaten considerable amounts of cave-bear cubs, as well as large numbers of reindeer. Consumption of bear-cubs more than likely caused fatality to the lions themselves – as if the cub’s parent was close by, it could lead to death of the lion. As is the case with today’s lions, cave-lions were probably held with high regard, depicted on cave-artwork. Cave lions are depicted as social animals as well, similar to today’s lions. It is believed that cave lions and modern lions diverged some half-million years ago, though cave-lions may have prospered until the time of Christ. Question has arisen as to the evolution of the lion’s mane – as no other cat seems to have evolved such an elaborate structure. Charles Darwin hypothesised that the mane of the lion worked as protection to the neck when lions fought each other, though research indicates that most lion attacks to other lions occur around the rear-end, where a mane is lacking. It could be that the mane was a result of a social evolution – lions are the only cat species with an elaborate social structure, perhaps as a result of living in open habitat as opposed to forested areas that many cats live, and so a large, dark mane of a male lion indicates a superior mate for females, as well as good health.

Dwarfed in cat-size only by the tiger, An average male lion stands a metre tall at the shoulder, with a length of 3 metres, weighing about 200 kilograms. The lioness is somewhat smaller, weighing about 150 kilograms. The tail of a lion may be around 80 centimetres in length. Both sexes share anatomical similarities – large back and front-leg muscles, prominent shoulders, and a large skull [with 30 teeth, canines about 10 cm long]. Both sexes are also a tawny-brown or tan-yellowish colour. The male lion, however, possesses a large mane which is lacked by the female. The size and colour of the mane is indicative of testosterone levels in the lion - males with more testosterone have larger and darker manes [including more hair elsewhere in the body], and lionesses have been observed to show more attraction to males with darker manes. In lionesses, which lack manes, the neck is a more prominent area of the body. The lioness, although smaller and less bulky than the male lion, too has impressive musculature.