Lions

Lions vary in color but typically sport light yellowish-brown coats and as a symbol of power, courage and nobility on family crests, coats of arms and national flags in many civilizations, it is the second largest feline species, after the tiger. Mature male lions are unique among the cat species for the thick mane of brown or black hair encircling the head and neck. There have been 23 thousand lions remaining in the African continent. The only social member of the cat family, lions live in large groups called prides, consisting of about 15 lions. New male becomes part of the pride it is not unusual for him to kill all the cubs, insuring that all future cubs will have his genes. Lionesses aren't the most successful of hunters, because they usually score only one kill out of several tries. They usually spend 16 to 20 hours a day sleeping and resting, devoting the remaining hours to hunting, courting or protecting their territory. Their roar can be heard up to five miles away and males have a life expectancy of around 12 years in the wild with the females living up to 16 years. Females do 85 to 90 percent of the pride's hunting.