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Predators
Desert lion
Desert lion · Panthera leo
The desert lion defies extreme aridity and roams the vast expanses of Namibia in search of prey and scarce water.
Fact file
- Size
- Males reach up to 1.20 metres at the shoulder and up to 200 kilograms, females are slightly smaller
- Males and females
- Only males develop a mane, females remain maneless and smaller
- Sounds
- Deep, far-carrying roaring, but also growling and hissing when in contact
- Diet
- Zebra, oryx, Springbok or small mammals, depending on the available prey in the desert
- Offspring
- Usually two to four young after a gestation period of around 110 days, births can occur throughout the year
How to identify Desert lion
Desert lions are powerfully built big cats with short, sandy-coloured fur that lets them blend into the open desert landscape. Unlike their African relatives, desert lions are often somewhat more slenderly built, which helps them cover longer distances in search of food.
Male desert lions may have a rather sparse mane, which can range in colour from light brown to black. Striking features are their light eyes and strong paws, which give them firm footing in the sandy terrain.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
Where Desert lion live
Discover Desert lion on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
