Lion (Panthera leo)

Overview
Lions are muscular, deep-chested cats with a short, rounded head and round ears. Their fur ranges from light buff to silvery grey, yellowish-red, and dark brown, with lighter underparts. Lion cubs are born with dark spots that fade as they mature, though faint markings may remain on their legs and underparts.

Sexual Dimorphism
Lions exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being more robust than females. Males have a prominent mane that covers their head, neck, shoulders, and chest, which can range in colour from brown to black with yellow and rust tints. Females lack this mane.

Size & Skull
Lions are among the largest felines, rivalling tigers in size, weight, and shoulder height. Their skull is similar to that of a tiger but has distinct features, such as a more depressed frontal region and broader nasal openings.

Tail & Spur
The lion’s tail ends in a tuft of hair, which develops around 5½ months of age. In some lions, a small “spur” or spine forms within the tuft, although its function remains unclear.