AFRICAN LION
Panthera leo
ABOUT
African lions are the most social cats of the Felidae family and live within groups called prides. It is very simple to distinguish the male lion from the female, for the male lion has a mane and the females do not. The mane helps make the male appear larger and thus more intimidating to outside predators or lions.
The savanna is quite a demanding environment so the animals that live there must be well suited and adapted. The African lion is a large cat that has a very muscular and powerful build which is very useful when knocking down large animals and holding them down. Another important feature of the lion is the tail, which gives the cat balance and is used as a signalling strategy during group hunts.
African lions are the most social cats of the Felidae family and live within groups called prides. It is very simple to distinguish the male lion from the female, for the male lion has a mane and the females do not. The mane helps make the male appear larger and thus more intimidating to outside predators or lions.
The savanna is quite a demanding environment so the animals that live there must be well suited and adapted. The African lion is a large cat that has a very muscular and powerful build which is very useful when knocking down large animals and holding them down. Another important feature of the lion is the tail, which gives the cat balance and is used as a signalling strategy during group hunts.
HABITAT
The African lion can be found in habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
One very important aspect of the lion that is dependent on the habitat, is the colour of the lion's fur coat. An African lion's fur coat may vary from a lighter, more yellow colour to a red to a darker brown colour. The colour of their fur is important because it is a camouflaging adaptation. Depending on the given environment the lion is living, the fur can help conceal the lion, aiding when hunting for prey.
These particular African lions found at the zoo are white lions; they appear quite different than what an African lion would typically look like. This is due to a genetic mutation called amelanism which causes these lions to produce less skin pigment (less melanin than usually found). If these lions were in the wild, they would find it very difficult because they do not the camouflaging advantage.
The African lion can be found in habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
One very important aspect of the lion that is dependent on the habitat, is the colour of the lion's fur coat. An African lion's fur coat may vary from a lighter, more yellow colour to a red to a darker brown colour. The colour of their fur is important because it is a camouflaging adaptation. Depending on the given environment the lion is living, the fur can help conceal the lion, aiding when hunting for prey.
These particular African lions found at the zoo are white lions; they appear quite different than what an African lion would typically look like. This is due to a genetic mutation called amelanism which causes these lions to produce less skin pigment (less melanin than usually found). If these lions were in the wild, they would find it very difficult because they do not the camouflaging advantage.