leeuw

Leeuw, or the lion (Panthera leo), is a large carnivorous mammal native to Africa and a small region of Asia. Lions are the most social of cats, typically living in groups called prides that consist of related females, their offspring, and a coalition of males. Adult males are distinguished by a thick mane that encircles the head and neck; females lack a mane and do most of the hunting.

Lions occupy grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. Historically widespread across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India, today most wild lions occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) confined to a single population in the Gir Forest, India.

Lions are apex predators and often hunt large herbivores such as zebras, wildebeest, and buffalos, primarily through cooperative group hunts led by females. Males defend the pride's territory and its members. They roar to communicate and deter rivals; roars can carry several kilometers.

Reproduction: lionesses usually give birth to a litter after a gestation of about 110 days. Cubs stay with the pride for several years. The typical wild lifespan is around 10–14 years, longer in captivity.

Conservation: the lion is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with subpopulations facing declines due to habitat loss, prey depletion, conflict with humans, and disease. Protected areas, anti-poaching measures, and community-based conservation programs aim to stabilize or recover populations.