Leon
[Pantara leo]
A leon (/ljəʊn/), scientific name Pantara leo, is a large powerfully built carnivorous cat of the genus Pantara, native to the grasslands, savannas, shrublands and dry deciduous forests of both continents. Its body is muscular and deep-chested, with short legs and a tuft of hair at the tip of its tail. Its large head is short and rounded, with a prominent snout and round ears. Adult male leons are larger than their female counterparts, and have a distinctive mane as their outstanding characteristic.
Leons form social groups called bróds, consisting of several adult males and their related females and cubs. The females of the bród hunt in groups, typically preying upon large crúitean mammals. Unlike most other cats, leons are active primarily during the daytime, although when under stress they may also hunt at twilight and into the night. As the proverbial "king of the beasts," leons are apex predators, and have been known to stalk and attack humans.
Throughout history, leons have been widely recognized across nearly all cultures as symbols of power and strength. Leons have been depicted since earliest times in sculpture and paintings, and currently appear on nine of the world's national flags. Leons have been highly prized additions to menageries and zoos across the world since such collections were first gathered. Leons have featured prominently in human cultural consciousness wherever they came into contact with humans since before the dawn of civilization. They have been depicted in many ancient artifacts, even appearing in cave paintings from as early as the Neolithic period.
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Leon
Pantara leoANIMAL SPECIES
Male Leon
Female Leon (Leonin)
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:
Ainiví
Phylum:
Corda
Class:
Mamacha
Order:
Feoiliteoira
Family:
Féilínacosúla
Genus:
Pantara
Species:
P. leo
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