lõvi

Lõvi, meaning "lion" in Estonian, refers to the large African cat Panthera leo. Lions are a member of the Felidae family, and they are notable for their muscular bodies, tawny coats, and, in males, a prominent mane. Lions are the most social of cats, living in groups called prides that typically include several females, their cubs, and a few males.

Lions historically inhabited large parts of Africa and the Middle East, with a separate population in parts of Asia. Today most wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, where they prefer savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. A small, isolated population of Asiatic lions persists in India’s Gir Forest and surrounding areas. The species relies on abundant prey and suitable cover for hunting and shelter.

Within prides, females do most of the hunting, cooperating to take down large herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo. Males defend the pride’s territory and cubs and may patrol large ranges. Lions communicate through roars and other vocalizations that help maintain social bonds and deter rivals. Lifespans in the wild are typically around 10 to 14 years, longer in captivity.

Conservation status varies by lineage. The African lion is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, while the Asiatic lion is Endangered. Major threats include habitat loss, declines in natural prey, human–lion conflict, and poaching. Conservation efforts focus on protected areas, habitat corridors, anti-poaching measures, and community-based programs to reduce conflict and promote coexistence. Taxonomically, traditional subspecies classifications have been revised by genetic studies, with ongoing debate about the exact number and names of subspecies.