Lion

Description :

	Lions are large cats with short, orange coats, white underparts, and long tails with a black tuft at the end
	. They vary in color and size
	Lions are the only cats with manes
	Because of its strength and habits the lion is considered to be the 'King of Beasts'.

General Characteristics

Length : Male - 8.5 to 10.8 feet / female - 8 to 9 feet

Weight : Male - 330 - 530 pounds / Female - 270 to 300 pounds

Height - average of 4 feet

Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions

Range - South Sahara to South Africa (for Africa lions) and North West India (for Asiatic Lion)

Habitat - Varies from rich grasslands to sands of desert

Diet - Other mammals such as Thompson's gazelles, zebras, impalas, and wildebeests

Status -Only Asiatic lions are endangered

Predators - None

Reason for the status - Loss of habitat in India.

Lifespan - 15 years (24 years in captivity)

Gestation period - 100 - 119 days