Close Lions Photos By Chris McLennan, Botswana

Pleistocene
Several additional subspecies of lion existed in prehistoric times:
• P. l. atrox, known as the American Lion or American cave lion, was abundant in the Americas from Canada to Peru in the Pleistocene Epoch until about 10,000 years ago. This form as well as the cave lion sometimes are considered to represent separate species, but recent phylogenetic studies suggest that they are in fact, subspecies of the lion (Panthera leo). One of the largest lion subspecies to have existed, its body length is estimated to have been 1.6–2.5 m (5–8 ft).