: Males 125 cm
: Females 90 cm

The largest of all African carnivores, the African Lion is undoubtedly one of the most impressive of Africa's species. They are the only social cats and form prides of 3 - 12 females with their cubs, and 1 - 4 attendant males. The prides have well defended home ranges and defend them vigorously. They feed on all warm blooded prey from mice to buffalo, but in lean times will eat almost anything, even insects and reptiles. They have been known to tackle larger animals such as young elephant and hippopotamus, and sometimes are successful in the kill. The females do most of the hunting, but at a kill precedence is given to the males. The call of a Lion at night is one of the most unforgettable sounds of the African bush.