The lion (Panthera leo) is indisputably the king of the jungle. They are apex predators and their image is often used as a reflection of power, dominance and nobility. There is nothing more impressive than a prime adult male with a fully-grown mane appearing out of the bush, and no one ever forgets the feeling of awe, and perhaps fear, when hearing a lion roar in the veld at night. South Africa offers some of the best opportunities to view lions in their natural habitat.
Lions are territorial and it is the only cat species that lives in social groups (prides) of as many as 30 animals or more. Territorial males usually form coalitions of two or more and defend a number of prides. Conventionally lionesses are the hunters, the males being passive onlookers.