ERWIN AVILA

BASIC INFORMATION The lion is a member of the family felidae and one of the four big cats in the genus panther. Lion's adaptations is their golden brown fur, it helps them blend into their surroundings on the plains. They're camouflage so it helps them sneak up on their prey African lions have excellent eyesight, good hearing and sense of smell. They also have very quick reflexes, which allows them to keep up with the agile antelope.

UNIQUE Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth, and jaws for pulling down and killing prey Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years. Lions live in groups of related females called prides, which may include from several to 40 individuals, plus one or more adult males.

ADAPTION When males take over a pride they usually kill the cubs the females come into estrus and the new males sire other cubs Most lions drink water daily if available but can go four to five days without drinking water. Lions sin arid areas seem to obtain needed moisture from the stomach contents of their prey. Lions like all cats do not chew their foods but swallow it in chunks.

ANCESTORS AND LIVING RELATIVES The lion is a member of the family Felidae and one of four big cats in the genus Panthera The wild lion is currently located in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia with a critically endangered Lions tend to dominate smaller felines such as cheetahs and leopards in areas where they are sympatric More than 10,000 years ago, lions thrived from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Tigers are lions' closest relatives. Without their coats, lion and tiger bodies are so similar that only experts can tell them apart.

Habitat Lions live a lazy lifestyle, typically active for only two to four hours in every 24 They are most active at night and rest during the day. The lion prefers grassy plains, savannas, and semi-deserts. It is located throughout much of Africa, especially in the southeastern part of the continent.

FOOD CHAIN Medium and large prey including impala wildebeest zebra and gemsbok. Will also take larger species such as buffalo giraffe hippo and young elephants. Lions will also eats birds, reptiles, fish, and even insects, also smaller mammals down to the size of mice. The African lion is a carnivore. The hunt starts with the lion stalking its prey. Food is usually shared with the entire pride. Male lions need about 15 pounds of meat each day, and females eat about 11 pounds.

HUMAN INPACT