Cave lions are large extinct carnivorous
that are classified either as subspecies of the
lion (
Panthera leo), or as distinct but closely related species, depending on the authority.
The subspecies or species known by this name include:
-
Panthera spelaea formerly P. leo spelaea, the Eurasian or European cave lion
-
Panthera fossilis or P. spelaea fossilis or P. leo fossilis, the Early Middle Pleistocene European cave lion
-
American lion or P. atrox, the American lion or American cave lion
