File:African lion cub with honey badger - DPLA - 758e872daebd10b5380a78160557ae92.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Felidae; Genus: Panthera; Genus species: Panthera leo. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: Male: 172-250 cm, Female: 158-192 cm; Height: 100-128 cm; Weight: Male: 150-260 kg, Female: 122-182 kg; Identification: The coat of the African lion varies from white to yellowish brown. A tawny-yellow is most common. Males are easily identifiable by their large manes; Habitat: Varies widely; Diet: Carnivore: large and small mammals; Reproduction: A pride's females usually come into heat all at the same time. Litters of 2-6 cubs are produced after a gestation period of 100 days. The cubs accompany the adults as they move by two months of age, are weaned by eight months, and are independent when they are 18 months old. Females within a pride will commonly suckle each other's young; Social Structure: African lions live in groups, called prides, that usually contain five females, two males, and their offspring. Some prides can grow as large as 28 adult lions. Females form very strong bonds with one another while males are more transitory, remaining with the pride for only 3-4 years; Behavior: Hunting is done using skilled stalking, usually by the females of a pride. Roaring is used to advertise the position and status of an African lion and/or its pride; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: On a still night, an African lion's roar can be heard from 8 km away.