Lion
African Lion Facts
| Size | Up to 3.7 ft (115 cm) (shoulder height) |
| Speed | Up to 37.2 mph (60 km/h) |
| Weight | Up to 551 lb (250 kg) |
| Lifespan | 8 - 15 years |
| Food | Antelopes, zebras |
| Predators | - |
| Habitat | Tropical Africa, West India |
| Order | Carnivore |
| Family | Cats |
| Scientific name | Panthera leo |
| Characteristics | Big cat, male with thick mane |
Male Lions are Only Guests
Lions live in packs. Yet, there is no place for males in the strong and social community of mum, granny, sister, aunts, cousins etc.
The males are only guests to ensure the continued existence of the pack through reproduction. But this also has its benefits: Guests are usually being catered for. Male lions therefore hardly ever take part in hunting.
What are the Tasks of Male Lions?
If the males do not hunt – what is their job? Enjoying a lazy day? This would be too simple. Male lions actually have very responsible tasks, such as to mark and secure the territory, and to protect the offspring while the ladies go hunting.
Why do Lions Roar?
„Look how strong I am!“ This is the main reason why lions roar. They want to make clear that they are the boss and that no other lion dares to enter the territory.
Lions also roar to recognize each other. Actually, a lion’s roar can be even heard from a distance of 2.9 miles (4.8 km).
Hunting Together
Lions can run quite fast at speed of up to 37.2 mph (60 km/h) over short distances, but antelopes are much faster. They can cover large distances at 55.9 mph (90 km/h).
So what should the lions do? They take advantage of moments of surprise while hunting. They sneak up to their prey from different directions until they are about 30 m away from their victim. During the attack, the prey cannot evade its enemies.
The King of Animals – Really?
For many people, the lion is the most impressive big cat. But it is still not the biggest cat. This honor goes to the Siberian tiger.
White Lions
Lions usually have a beige or sand-colored coat. But there also exist white lions, which are much rarer. Their white coat is hereditary.
But these lions are not albinos that are lacking color pigments. Otherwise they would have red eyes.
Stepping into the Lion’s Den
We use this idiomatic expression when we think, that we are entering a dangerous situation. It derives from the fable “The Old Lion and the Fox”:
In this story, an old and weak lion pretends to be ill and asks other animals to visit him in his den (because he is to weak to go out) - and eventually then eats them.
The fox is the only one that sees though this cunning plan. On the ground, he notices the traces that only lead into the den.
Reproduction
Lions give birth once a year. During the first 4 - 6 weeks the cubs stay in their hiding place, until they are strong enough to participate in the life of the pack.
After three months, the young lions can follow their mother everywhere. After one year, the male lions start to grow their mane. This is when they have to leave the pack to find a new one.
- Find out more:
- Cheetah Facts
- Jaguar Facts
- Leopard Facts
- Lynx Facts
- Tiger Facts
- Watch now on animalfunfacts.net:
Video: Why Do Animals Live in Groups? - why lions hunt in teams
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