Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have shaggy manes that range in color from blond to reddish-brown to black. The length and color of a lion's mane is likely determined by age, genetics and hormones.
Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) are a subspecies of African lion, but only one very small population survives in India's Gir Forest.
African lions have been admired throughout history for as symbols of courage and strength. These iconic animals have powerful bodies—in the cat family, they’re second in size only to tigers—and roars that can be heard from five miles away. An adult lion’s coat is yellow-gold, and juveniles have some light spots that disappear with age. Only male lions typically boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads.
The lion is a large cat of the genus Panthera native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail.
Credits:
Created with images by AB Photography - "Portrait of a lion in the forest" • Ruzdi - "A desert lion in Namibia" • AB Photography - "Portrait of a lion in the forest" • photosaint - "portrait of a snarling african lion" • Dennis Donohue - "Rare captive Male Barbary Lion" • bridgephotography - "Little lion cubs relaxing" • Sheril - "lion and lioness" • Dennis Donohue - "Rare captive Male Barbary Lion" • Dennis Donohue - "Rare captive Male Barbary Lion" • Theodore - "male lion and cub in the wild" • Polarpx - "Two lions togenther on the savannah"