The lion (Panthera leo) is a large mammal of the Felidae (cat) family. Some large males weigh over 250 kg
(550 lb). Today, wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia. Lions are adapted for life in
grasslands and mixed areas with trees and grass. The relatively small females are fast runners over short
distances, and coordinate their hunting of herd animals.
Lions have disappeared from North Africa and southwest Asia in historic times. Until the late Pleistocene,
about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found
in most of Africa, across Eurasia from western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru.
The lion is now a vulnerable species. There was a decline in its African range of 30–50% over two decades
in the second half of the 20th century. Habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes of
concern.
Lions are often called the "king of the beasts". They are used as symbols representing courage. They appear
in heraldry more often than any other animal. They are an icon of courage and royalty.
