Lions are large social cats native to sub‑Saharan Africa and one of the most iconic predators in the world. Unlike most felines, they live in structured family groups called prides, which typically include related females, their offspring, and a coalition of males. Lions are powerful, cooperative hunters, relying on teamwork, strength, and strategy to bring down prey ranging from antelope to buffalo. They are built for bursts of speed and explosive force rather than endurance, and their behaviour is shaped by territory, hierarchy, and the constant balance between conserving energy and defending resources. With their deep roars, complex social bonds, and role as apex predators, lions are central to the ecology and cultural identity of the African landscapes they inhabit.