Unless urged by hunger, he seldom attacks man, but contents himself with the destruction of buffaloes, camels, dogs, and sheep.

When taken young, he is easily tamed, and then manifests considerable attachment to his master.

In his wild state he haunts the marshes and the banks of the various streams and canals, concealing himself during the day, and at night wandering abroad in search of his prey, to obtain which he will approach with boldness to the very skirts of an Arab encampment.

His roar is not deep or terrible, but like the cry of a child in pain, or the first wail of the jackal after sunset, only louder, clearer and more prolonged.

Two varieties of the lion appear to exist: the one is maneless, while the other has a long mane, which is black and shaggy.