Lion: symbol of the virtues of a ruler, 85x16cm Full length alabaster statue

The lion (Panthera leo)

Is a large cat of the genus Panthera.  It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. Adult male lions are larger than females (lionesses) and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides, which consists of a few adult males, related females and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. The lion inhabits grasslands, savannas and shrublands. Lions are native to sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.  During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged Africa, Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, and Western and South Asia. One of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture, the lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions have occurred in virtually all ancient and medieval cultures in the lions historic and current range.

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