The lion is the second largest cat in the world – after the tiger.
Lions are symbols of strength and courage and have been celebrated throughout history for these characteristics. They are also common symbols for royalty and stateliness, hence the phrase ‘king of the jungle’.
I have seen lions many times in National parks in South Africa – some of them very lose to our car. And they are impressive large! Like this couple – passing just in front of our car:
COMMON NAME: African lions
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera leo
TYPE: Mammals
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pride
SIZE:
up to 3 meters long – including the tail which is about 60 – 91 cm.
WEIGHT:
On average, males weigh 190kg and females weigh 126kg
Lions are very social animals and live in groups, called prides, which consist of around 30 lions – up to three males, a dozen related females, and their young. The size of the pride is determined by the availability of food and water.
Male lions spend their time guarding their territory and their cubs. They maintain the boundaries of their territory, which can be as large as 260 sq. km (100 sq. mi.), by roaring, marking it with urine, and chasing off intruders.
Male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. These manes grow up to 16cm long and are a sign of dominance. The older they get, the darker their manes go. Their manes also protect their necks when they fight with challengers.
Female lions are the primary hunters of the group. They are smaller and more agile than males.
Since their prey is still generally faster than them, they use teamwork to bring an animal down. Fanning out, they form a semicircle, with the smaller, weaker lionesses herding the prey towards the centre. Then the stronger females knock the animal down and make the kill.
OTHER LION FACTS:
- Nearly all wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asiatic lions exists in India’s Gir Forest. Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species.
- Lions usually hunt at night. Their prey includes antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, young elephants, rhinos, hippos, wild hogs, crocodiles and giraffes. But they also sometimes eat smaller prey like mice, birds, hares, lizards, and tortoises.
- After a successful hunt, all the lions in the pride share the meal. But there is a pecking order, with the adult males taking first claim, followed by the lionesses, and finally, the cubs
- Lions can eat up to 40kg of meat in a single meal – around a quarter of their body weight.
More lions moments – with links to more photos and the story behind, told in other sites:
Two female lions with cubs sharing a meal – at Karongwe Game Reserve
One lion couple in some bushes close to the Open Road
Meeting with 6 lions in the Kruger National Park
Lion meets elephant – in the Kruger National Park
Meeting a male lion on the bridge – in the Kruger National Park
