The
lion (
Panthera leo) is a large cat species in the genus
Panthera native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is
sexually dimorphic; adult males are larger than females and have a prominent mane. The lion is a
social species, forming groups called prides. A pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on large
ungulates. It is an
apex and
keystone predator. Although some lions scavenge when opportunities occur and have been known to hunt humans, they typically do not actively seek out and prey on humans. This six-year-old male lion was photographed in the
Phinda Private Game Reserve in
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp