Fossil evidence shows that lions once roamed over many continents including the Americas. Today, they are native to Africa (about 100,000) and Asia (about 300.) Lions rival Tigers as "largest of cats." Lion retains the title, "king of beasts" which results from fearsome roars and immense body. Massive shoulders, strong forelimbs, lengthy sharp claws, and short powerful jaws describe them. These carnivores feed on other mammals. In the wild, Lions rarely live beyond 12 years.