How Many Types of Lions Are There?

At present, there is one type of extant lion species, known as Panthera leo. From this one species, 7 lion subspecies are derived. Some lion species became extinct thousands of years ago, while others have disappeared as a result of human interference or other factors. Additionally, it is important to know that all surviving lion species are in fact in danger of extinction.

Now that you know there are 7 types of lions in the world, you may want to know more about each individually. We explain the differences in terms of physical appearance, habitat, behaviors and anything else which will help us to understand the different lion subspecies.

Before we begin with this complete list of lion species and their characteristics, let's take a look at how lions are classified. Panthera leo is the species from which all lion subspecies descend. The Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) only recognizes this species, and the Panthera leo persica and Panthera leo leo are the only officially recognized subspecies. However, other taxonomic lists, such as ITIS, identify more varieties.

Where do lions live? - Lion habitat

Lions live in packs known as prides and inhabit the grasslands, savannas and jungles of Africa. These prides are generally composed of one or two males and several female lions. Lions live an average of 7 years and are considered kings of the jungle due to their unmatched hunting ability. Lions are carnivorous animals that feed on antelopes, zebras, gazelles and other animals on the savanna. Female lions are responsible for hunting and keeping the pride well fed.

Another of the most common characteristics of lions are their marked sexual dimorphism. Males tend to be larger than females and have abundant manes, something not present on females.

Different types of lions

The lion subspecies that currently exist and are recognized by the various official organizations include:

• Katanga lion (Southwest African lion)
• Congo Lion (Northeast Congo lion)
• Transvaal Lion (Southeastern lion)
• Barbary lion
• Nubian Lion (East African lion)
• Asiatic lion
• West African lion

Keep reading to discover the different characteristics of these lion types with photos:

Among the types of lions and their characteristics we have the Kantaga lion, also referred to as the Southwest (Panthera leo bleyenberghi). This large lion subspecies is capable of reaching up to 280 kilograms in weight. In terms of appearance, the Kantaga lion stands out for its characteristic sand-colored, thick and imposing mane as seen in the photo below. The outermost area of the mane can appear in a combination of light brown and coffee colors.

Also known as the central African lion, the Congo lion (Panthera leo azandica), is a lion subspecies distributed along the plains of the African continent. It is found especially in Uganda and the Republic of the Congo.

This lion subspecies can weigh between 150 and 190 kilos. Male Congo lions are recognizable by their dark characteristic mane, less leafy than other lion varieties. Its fur color can range between sand and dark brown.

With the common name of the Transvaal lion, the lion subspecies Panthera leo krugeri is from South Africa. This African lion is a variety from the southern part of Africa and is considered the sister lion to the Katanga lion. Male Transvaal lion species can reach up to 2 meters and 50 centimeters in length.

Although they have the typical sand color in the fur of all lions, there are rare white lions from this variety, as seen in the photo below. The white lion is a mutation of the Panthera leo krugeri, with the white fur appearing as a result of a recessive gene. Despite their noticeable beauty, the white lion is vulnerable in the wild, especially because its light color is difficult to camouflage in the savanna.

The Barbary lion (Panthera leo leo) is a subspecies of lions that became extinct around 1942. There are, however, some specimens that can be found in zoos, such as those found in Rabat (Morocco). However, crossing with other lion subspecies complicates the task of raising purebred Barbary lion individuals.

According to records, this subspecies was one of the largest in the wild, characterized by a large and lush mane in males. They lived in both the Savanna and African jungles.

Another of the types of lions that still exist is Panthera leo nubica, also recognized as the East African lion. Its body weight ranges between an average of the lion species, i.e. between 150 and 200 kilos. The male of this subspecies has an abundant and darker mane than other lion subspecies. The male is depicted in the photo below.

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is native to India, although today it can be found in zoos and reserves in various parts of the world.

This variety is smaller than other types of lions and has a lighter coat, with reddish mane in males. The Asiatic lion is currently among the types of lion in danger of extinction, mainly due to the reduction of their habitat, poaching and rivalry with inhabitants of their environment.

Last on our list of types of lions is the West African lion, also known as the Panthera leo senegalensis or lion of West Africa. This lion subspecies lives in packs and measures about 3 meters, including its tail. This lion type is in danger of extinction due to poaching and the city expansion, decreasing the amount of prey available. The male West African lion in the photo below has a reduced mane.

All types of lions are considered vulnerable in danger of extinction. Over the years, populations in the wild have declined and births in captivity are scarce.

Why are lions endangered?

The most common threats to lions and lion subspecies include:

• Expansion of commercial and residential areas that reduce the lion's natural habitat
• Decrease in prey species for lions to feed on
• Introduction of other species or rivalry with other predators for prey
• Illegal poaching for fur and other trades
• Expansion of agriculture and livestock
• War and military conflicts in the lion's habitat

Keep reading to discover our complete list of extinct and endangered lion species:

Unfortunately, several species of lions have ceased to exist for various reasons, most due to human intervention. The types of extinct lion species include:

• Black lion
• Cave Lion
• Primitive Cave Lion
• American lion

Panthera leo melanochaitus, referred to more commonly as the Black lion or cape lion, is a subspecies that was declared extinct in 1860. Before disappearing completely, this lion species inhabited the southwest of South Africa. Little is known about this lion species expect that they weighed between 150 and 250 kilos and lived alone, contrary to common lion packs today.

The males had a black mane, hence their name. The black lion disappeared from the African continent during English colonization, as a result of human attacks. Despite its extinction, lions in the Kalahari region are considered to have a genetic load from the black lion species.

Panthera leo spelaea, also referred to as the Eurasian cave lion, was a species that was found in the Iberian Peninsula, England and Alaska. This lion subspecies inhabited the Earth during the Pleistocene, 2.60 million years ago. Evidence of its existence lies in cave paintings from 30,000 years ago and fossils.

In general, its characteristics were similar to those of the current lion at between 2.5 and 3 meters long and 200 kilos in weight.

The primitive cave lion (Panthera leo fossilis) is another type of lion that became extinct during the Pleistocene. This lion species used to reach up to 2.50 meters long and lived in Europe. It is part of the oldest extinct feline fossils found in the world.

Panthera leo atrox, also known as the American lion, was distributed throughout North America. Many believe this occured when it arrived through the Bering Strait before the continental drift occurred. Additionally, records imply that the American lion may have been the largest lion species in history, having measured almost 4 meters in length, at a weight of between 350 and 400 kilos.

According to cave paintings found, this subspecies lacked a mane or was very scarce. It disappeared during the mass megafauna extinction, which occurred in the Quaternary.

Additional varieties of extinct lions include:

• Beringian cave lion (Panthera leo vereshchagini)
• Sri Lankan lion (Panthera leo sinhaleyus)
• European lion (Panthera leo europaea)

For more, we recommend reading our article of extinct species of cat.

If you want to read similar articles to How Many Types of Lions Are There?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.