The largest cat is the African lion (Panthera leo). Male lions can weigh up to 250 kg, stand about 1.2 meters tall at the shoulder, and have a head and body length of more than 3 meters. Female lions are slightly smaller than males.
Lions are carnivores of grasslands and semi-wilderness areas, and their main food is a variety of medium and large mammals, such as wildebeest, zebra and buffalo. They have a strong sense of smell and hearing, and can also run fast and make short leaps to catch prey.
Due to their huge size and powerful claws, lions have few natural enemies. However, human activities and habitat reduction are now one of the biggest threats to lions, and their numbers have declined significantly. Lions are generally regarded as very important protected animals, and their protection and management need to be strengthened.
