African Lion vs Cheetah
How does the African Lion compare to the Cheetah? They are both members of the Felidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.
Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Panthera leo
- Acinonyx jubatus
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Felidae
- Felidae
- Habitat
- Savanna
- Savanna and open grassland
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Vulnerable
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years in the wild
- 10-12 years in the wild
- Weight
- 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs)
- 21-72 kg
African Lion vs Cheetah: who would win?
African Lion
120–250 kg (265–550 lbs)
Cheetah
21-72 kg
African Lion wins high confidence
African Lion is substantially heavier (120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 21-72 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Felidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Vulnerable.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna vs Savanna and open grassland.
- Weight: 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 21-72 kg.
African Lion vs Cheetah: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Lion or a Cheetah?
African Lion wins. African Lion is substantially heavier (120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 21-72 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a African Lion and a Cheetah?
African Lion and Cheetah differ in several ways — habitat: savanna vs savanna and open grassland. weight: 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 21-72 kg.
Do African Lion and Cheetah live in the same habitat?
No — African Lion lives in savanna, while Cheetah is found in savanna and open grassland.
What do African Lion and Cheetah eat?
Both African Lion and Cheetah have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Lion or the Cheetah?
African Lion is listed as Vulnerable, while Cheetah is listed as Vulnerable.
How big are African Lion and Cheetah?
African Lion weighs around 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs), while Cheetah weighs around 21-72 kg.
Full profile
African Lion
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Cheetah
