Lion Lioness water dawn fields
The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the four big cats. The lion is the tallest (at the shoulder) of all living cats, averaging about 14 cm ( in) taller than the tiger. Lions are the only members of the cat family to display obvious sexual dimorphism—that is, males and females look distinctly different. The most distinctive characteristic shared by both females and males is that the tail ends in a hairy tuft. The mane of the adult male lion, unique among cats. Sexual selection of mates by lionesses favors males with the densest, darkest mane. Lions spend much of their time resting and are inactive for about 20 hours per day. Although lions can be active at any time, their activity generally peaks after dusk with a period of socializing, grooming, and defecating. Intermittent bursts of activity follow through the night hours until dawn, when hunting most often takes place. The number of adult males in a coalition is usually two, but may increase to four and decrease again over time. Male cubs are excluded from their maternal pride when they reach maturity. Lions are powerful animals that usually hunt in coordinated groups and stalk their chosen prey. However, they are not particularly known for their stamina. Lions do not mate at any specific time of year, and the females are polyestrous. When resting, lion socialization occurs through a number of behaviours, and the animal's expressive movements are highly developed. The most common peaceful tactile gestures are head rubbing and social licking. . They most often roar at night; the sound, which can be heard from a distance of 8 kilometres ( mi), is used to advertise the animal's presence. Lions have the loudest roar of any big cat.
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Photo credit: © Hannes Lochner / Alamy / Afripics
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