The Southern Lion, also known as the Panthera leo melanochaita, is a subspecies of lion found primarily in southern Africa. These lions inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, where they hunt for prey such as zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes. Southern Lions are known for their social structure, living in groups called prides, which typically consist of related females and their offspring, along with a few dominant males. Southern Lions are characterized by their tawny coats and distinctive manes, which vary in color and size among males. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem as apex predators, helping to maintain the balance of animal populations. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and poaching, leading to conservation efforts aimed at protecting their populations and habitats.