Changes

|conservation=

|conservation=

}}

}}

The '''lion''' is a large [[feline]]. Today restricted to [[Africa]] south of the [[Sahara]] and a small population in the [[Kathiawar]] peninsula of [[India]], historically lions were also found throughout the [[Middle East]], North Africa and in Southern [[Europe]]; hunting down the Nemean Lion was amongst the twelve labours of [[Hercules]].

The '''lion''' is a large [[feline]]. Today restricted to [[Africa]] south of the [[Sahara]] and a small population in the Kathiawar peninsula of [[India]], historically lions were also found throughout the [[Middle East]], North Africa and in Southern [[Europe]]; hunting down the Nemean Lion was amongst the twelve labours of [[Hercules]].

Lions are unusual amongst felines for their social habits, typically living in small family groups called prides, and their [[sexual dimorphism]], the male lion being readily distinguished from the lioness by his larger size and distinctive [[mane]], although certain varieties of maneless lions have been known to exist.

Lions are unusual amongst felines for their social habits, typically living in small family groups called prides, and their sexual dimorphism, the male lion being readily distinguished from the lioness by his larger size and distinctive mane, although certain varieties of maneless lions have been known to exist.

Hunting in lion prides is typically done by the lionesses, often with some waiting in [[ambush]] while others drive prey in their direction. The male lions are generally the first to eat, though. Lions are capable of hunting a wide range of potential prey, from animals as large as a [[water buffalo]] or [[yak]], to creatures as small as a [[rabbit]] or a [[lemur]]. They are known to feast on carrion as well as fresh meat.

Hunting in lion prides is typically done by the lionesses, often with some waiting in ambush while others drive prey in their direction. The male lions are generally the first to eat, though. Lions are capable of hunting a wide range of potential prey, from animals as large as a water buffalo or [[yak]], to creatures as small as a [[rabbit]] or a [[lemur]]. They are known to feast on carrion as well as fresh meat.

Culturally, lions are usually associated with nobility and [[monarchy|kingship]], thanks to their laconic, regal air and fearsome predatory abilities. The lion is often colloquially known as 'king of the jungle', although lions do not in fact inhabit [[jungle]]s or [[rainforest]]s, and are typically found on plains and savannas.

Culturally, lions are usually associated with nobility and [[monarchy|kingship]], thanks to their laconic, regal air and fearsome predatory abilities. The lion is often colloquially known as 'king of the jungle', although lions do not in fact inhabit [[jungle]]s or rainforests, and are typically found on plains and savannas.

== Man-eating lions ==

== Man-eating lions ==