Lions fill the ecological niche of apex predators in their habitats, primarily the savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Their role is crucial in regulating populations of large herbivores such as buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and even elephants. By preying on these herbivores, especially the weak, sick, or old individuals, lions help maintain healthy and genetically robust populations, preventing overgrazing and habitat degradation

. Lions require habitats that provide sufficient prey availability, cover for stalking (like tall grass or bushes), water sources, and shade for resting during the heat of the day. Their social hunting strategies allow them to take down large prey efficiently, which smaller predators cannot manage. This top- down control by lions also limits the proliferation of smaller carnivores, which can cause ecological imbalances and spread diseases if left unchecked

. In summary, lions occupy the niche of dominant predators that maintain the balance of herbivore populations and ecosystem health in their habitats, making them keystone species essential for the stability and biodiversity of savanna and similar ecosystems