African Lion
Panthera leo
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2024 · Est. 23,000 individuals
About the African Lion
The African lion is one of the world's most iconic predators. Lions live in social groups known as prides.
African lions occupy grasslands and savannahs where prey is abundant. Females typically work together to hunt while males defend territory. Conservation programs focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting remaining habitats. Lion populations continue to decline in many regions.
Region
East Africa
Population
23,000
Trend
Data Year
2024
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
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Quick Stats