The body is very muscular, with less bone mass than other animals of comparable size. Lions hunt at night because it’s often too hot during the day. A female lion needs 11 pounds of meat a day. They are active solitary hunters and are known to attack prey from behind. African lions have been admired throughout history for as symbols of courage and strength. Lion Habitat: Word Search Activity. The mane of the male lion is a distinctive characteristic of lions as no other big cats have them. google_ad_height = 90; //-->, Science Kids ©  |  Home  |  About  |  Topics  |  Experiments  |  Games  |  Facts  |  Quizzes  |  Projects  |  Lessons  |  Images  |  Videos  |  Privacy  |  Sitemap  |  Updated: Apr 11, 2020. (The Asiatic lion is endangered.) African lions are considered vulnerable of extinction by the IUCN Red List. Meanwhile, female lions way somewhere between 120 to 182 kg or 625 to 400 pounds. google_ad_client = "pub-4643150179421087"; Unlike other cats, lions are very social animals. Males with darker manes are more likely to attract female lions (lionesses). They are sometimes trampled by large animals like buffaloes. The Lion Pride A group of lions is called a pride. When lions fight each other, one of the lions generally ends up dying as a result of the fight. Babesia occurs during droughts, when malnourished prey is vulnerable to disease. A male needs 15.4 pounds or more a day. The size of the pride is determined by the availability of food and water. Usually a couple females give birth around the same time. There are also lion and leopard hybrids known as leopons and lion and jaguar hybrids known as jaglions. Lions usually hunt at night. The lions fan out along a broad front or semicircle to creep up on prey. Maine Coon Cat - Popular and large pet cat. Her debut picture book, Soaked!, comes out on July 14, 2020 from Viking Children's Books.To learn more and to download free activity sheets, visit www.abicushman.com. Long, retractable claws help lions snare their prey, while rough tongues make it easy for them to peel back the skin of that prey and expose its meat. The combination of distemper and babesia causes mass fatalities in lion populations. The lion is a member of the cat family, and shares many common traits of this family. Most lions can be found in Africa, but their … They are the most successful cats because of their team work,adaptations and hunting skills. It may be entirely lacking; it may fringe the face; or it may be full and shaggy, covering the back of the head, neck, and shoulders and continuing … A female lion needs 11 pounds of meat a day. Enjoy these fun lion facts for kids. Vulnerable to predators like hyenas, leopards, and black-backed jackals, cubs have a 60-70% mortality rate. As such, it would be easy to assume they have an easy life and survival in the wild is assured. They are smaller and more agile than males. Transvaal lion generally live in Kruger Park, Kalahari, southern Namibia, southeastern Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Mountain Lion Scientific and Physical Characteristics. Great for school & home use. Responsive Website Design by Brown Bear Creative, Defenders of Wildlife’s African Lion Page, “Africa’s Lion Population Plummets by Two-Thirds in 50 Years Study Finds,” NBC World News, December 2012, 33 Rescued Circus Lions Prepare for African Voyage, Book Review: The True Story of Bella & Simba: Lion Rescue, BOOK REVIEW: Even More Lesser Spotted Animals. DESCRIPTION: Renowned for their majesty and nicknamed the King of the Jungle, lions possess both beauty and strength. They mostly found in the savannah regions of Africa and In the decidous forests of West India (Gujarat). While the lion is an apex predator, it falls prey to humans. The vision of a lion, for example, is roughly six times more sensitive to light than a human's. In the wild, lions rest for around 20 hours a day. Lions are the national animal of Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Singapore. ; There are 7 species of sea lions. Lion facts & worksheets for kids. Lion Characteristics – Special Features of Lion The lion is a powerful cat with a muscular body and strong flexible legs. These lions are like regular lions, except for the color of their coat. Cubs are often killed by hyenas, wild dogs, and leopards. Herbivores Herbivorous animals or herbivores (herbi, plant; vore, eater) are those that eat only plants and plant products. The big cat group includes animals like tigers, leopards, and of course, lions. Lions are quite large and display sexual dimorphism, as the males are even larger than the females. A male needs 15.4 pounds or more a day. It is considered the largest species of wild cat in North America and second heaviest after the Jaguar. Male and female lions have different body weights, sizes and appearances. The lion is known as the “King of Beasts” or “King of the Jungle.” There are also phrases such as “brave as a lion” or “strong as a lion.” Lions` have been the symbol of strength and bravery for thousands of years. Their tan color allows lions to blend in with the savannas, open woodlands and deserts in which they live. A pride can have as few as three lions or as many as 40! For more about cats: Cheetah - The fastest land mammal. Lions sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day. In captivity lions often breed every year, but in the wild they usually breed no more than once in two years. Lion. The lion is a member of the cat family, and shares many common traits of this family. A lion slowly sneaks up on its prey, then pauses, crouches and hides until it gets close enough to pursue its target. Living in the grasslands, scrub, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, the lion is the second largest cat in the world (behind tigers). In general, a group of males stays in power in the pride for around three years before another bachelor group takes it over. At around two years old, they become capable hunters. Lions may also hunt elephants and giraffes, but only if the individual is young or especially sick. Their loud roar is among the most terrifying sounds of the grasslands. Willing to fight. Lions live in parts of Africa and India. Lions often lose their kills to hyenas and sometimes to crocodiles. The male’s outstanding characteristic is his mane, which varies between different individuals and populations. An adult male’s roar can be heard up to nearly 5 miles away. The lion (Panthera leo) is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera.It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It makes male lions appear larger, thus allowing them to be more intimidating. Lions sometimes have to fight other male lions for the females in the pride or for the food that has been brought back by the females. Lions - This big cat is King of the Jungle. African lions are social animals, unlike most predatory cats. google_ad_width = 160; The heaviest lion on record weighed an amazing 375 kg (826 lb). ), by roaring, marking it with urine, and chasing off intruders. An adult male’s roar can be heard up to nearly 5 miles away. Lions can run up to 50 mph (80 kmph) for short distances and leap as far as 36 feet (11 m), almost the length of a school bus, according to the Lion Habitat Ranch, a lion sanctuary in Nevada. Wild lions reproduce every two years, producing litters after a gestation period of 108 days. It is dwarfed slightly by the tiger, which is closely related and has a very similar body type. Physical Characteristics. Learn about lion behavior, how fast they can run, where they are found, how many lions are usually in a pride, the male’s mane, lioness differences and more. km (100 sq. Lions are a species within the Felidae family. A male needs 7kg or more a day. They hunt together to increase their success rate, since prey can be difficult to catch and can outrun a single lion. It also signals sexual maturity and health status; lionesses tend to favor denser and darker manes. Both sexes are polygamous and breed throughout the year, but females are usually restricted to the one or two adult males of their pride. Transvaal lion likes to eat large animals such as blue wildebeest, giraffes, buffaloes, gemsbok, impalas, Thomson’s gazelle, warthogs, kobs, and zebras. The name for a baby lion is a cub, whelp or lione Lions are adapted for life in grasslands and mixed areas with trees and grass. Lions also eat carrion, the flesh of dead animals. But there is a pecking order, with the adult males taking first claim, followed by the lionesses, and finally, the cubs. The Smithsonian's National Zoo's lions eat ground beef, which is commercially produced to meet the nutritional needs of carnivores. Lion Facts for Kids . They live in prides consisting of several females, their offspring and usually no more than a pair of adult males. google_ad_width = 728; If resources are scarce, the pride becomes smaller. But they also sometimes eat smaller prey like mice, birds, hares, lizards, and tortoises. google_ad_height = 600; Lions also steal kills from hyenas, leopards and other predators. Based on their feeding habits, animals can be divided into three groups: herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. Imagine a lion prowling through the Africa savanna on the hunt for its next meal. Yes, white lions really do exist. They are threatened by loss and fragmentation of habitat. Females are receptive to mating for three or four days within a widely variable reproductive cycle. You can also donate to charities like National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative, Panthera’s Project Leonardo, or the African Wildlife Foundation. They form bachelor groups and follow migrating herds until they are strong enough to challenge male lions of other prides. Lions have a fast-working digestive system, which allows them to gorge themselves and then go for seconds shortly after. In captivity lions often breed every year, but in the wild they usually breed no more than once in two years. Their tan color allows lions to blend in with the savannas, open woodlands and deserts in which they live. A lion has many physical characteristics that make it a superb hunter. Click here for more animal facts. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages. Females are receptive to mating for three or four days within a widely variable reproductive cycle. All lions share certain traits that the species developed in response to environment. Males and females take on very different roles in the pride. Back to Cats Back to Animals for Kids The cubs start training in hunting when they are one or two years old. Their main prey is wildebeest, antelope, giraffe, buffalo, wild hogs and zebra. LION FACT SHEET STATUS: Although the population of lions is declining, they are not currently listed as endangered or threatened. google_ad_client = "pub-4643150179421087"; This activity will help you assess your knowledge of the different kinds of lion habitats. Male lions spend their time guarding their territory and their cubs. Lion powerpoint 1. They are not above stealing kills from other carnivores, like hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards, or scavenging spoiled meat. 4) Lions Are Fantastic Hunters. The roar of a lion can be heard from 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) away. Females are shorter and more slender. It makes male lions appear larger, thus allowing them to be more intimidating. The average male lion weighs around 180 kg (400 lb) while the average female lion weighs around 130 kg (290 lb). The males typically take their meals from the female’s kills. Spending 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting, lions are the laziest of the big cats. The body is very muscular, with less bone mass than other animals of comparable size. Today, wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia. Packer and Pusey set out not just to document lion behavior but to explain how it had evolved. Lions earn the title "King of the Beasts" because they are the top of the food chain in their native habitats. However, it's not easy being number one. Now imagine this prowling lion as a white lion! They live in groups, called prides, of around 30 lions. Both males and females have a very powerful roar that can be hear… Lions may hunt at any hour, but they typically go after large prey at night. Lions are the only big cats that live in groups, which are called prides. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions have a prominent mane.With a typical head-to-body length of 184–208 cm (72–82 in) they are larger than females at 160–184 cm (63–72 in). Lionesses are better hunters than males and do most of the hunting for a pride. Lions in the wild live for around 12 years. Female lions, known as lionesses, are smaller than the males, and do not have manes.. Lions are at the top of the food chain.This means that an adult lion has no natural predators. 5. Their prey includes antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, young elephants, rhinos, hippos, wild hogs, crocodiles and giraffes. They stand about 3 feet (1 meter) tall at the shoulder and can weigh 370 to 500 pounds (170 to 230 kilograms). A lion slowly sneaks up on its prey, then pauses, crouches and hides until it gets close enough to pursue its target. They are the most successful cats because of their team work,adaptations and hunting skills. Available in PDF & Google Slides format. After a successful hunt, all the lions in the pride share the meal. Lions, which live in groups called prides, are the most social cats.The size of a pride depends on food availability, but a typical group includes three males, a dozen females, and their cubs. google_ad_slot = "5655995158"; While lazing around, they are very affectionate towards one another, rubbing heads, grooming, and purring. Adult males are about 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3 meters) long, including the tail. google_ad_slot = "9761313702"; Responsive Website Design by Brown Bear Creative. Lions are carnivores and their roar can be heard up to five miles away. //-->. Share why lions are important to you and include a drawing if you like. The wild lion lifespan is approximately eight to 10 years but can exceed 25 years in captivity. … All lions share certain traits that the species developed in response to environment. The lion makes home in semi-arid habitats including open grasslands and savanna. Lions are adapted for life in grasslands and mixed areas with trees and grass. There are only a few adult males in a pride. Actually, sea lions and seals are two different animals. They mostly found in the savannah regions of Africa and In the decidous forests of West India (Gujarat). What is a Lion? The lion is the second largest member of the cat family after the tiger . Steller Sea Lion: The largest of the sea lion. Characteristics of Arthropods Lesson for Kids 3:18 Mammals Lesson for Kids: Definition, Facts & Characteristics 2:55 Echinoderms Lesson for Kids The lion (Panthera leo) is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera.It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. When they have a big kill, they bury or hide it, coming back to feed when they’re hungry again. The most noticeable physical characteristic found in all Asian lions, but rarely in African lions, is … Lions are the second largest cats in the World. Lions are the second largest big cat species in the world (behind tigers). Lions are vigorous when it comes to reproduction; Schaller observed one male mate 157 times in 55 hours. They can be found lying on their backs with their feet up or taking a snooze up in a tree. When she's not writing about weird animal facts, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids. The relatively small females are fast runners over short distances, and coordinate their hunting of herd animals. Physical Characteristics. Tiger - Biggest of the big cats. In addition, lions readily eat fresh kills that they scavenge or forcefully steal from hyenas, cheetahs, or wild dogs. Fanning out, they form a semicircle, with the smaller, weaker lionesses herding the prey towards the center. It also provides amazing pictures that makes learning about the animal really fun for both kids and adults. Lionesses living in open savanna do most of the hunting. Lions Are Fantastic Hunters. The lion (Panthera leo) is a large mammal of the Felidae (cat) family.Some large males weigh over 250 kg (550 lb). Lions also eat carrion, the flesh of dead animals. The cubs are then raised together, sometimes nursing communally. Male lions typically weigh somewhere between 150 to 250 kg or 330 to 550 pounds. At times, they may lose their own catches to hyena groups. 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