The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the four big cats. Some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.Wild lions currently exist in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia.
Lions live for 10 - 14 years in the wild,
while in captivity they can live longer than 20 years. In the wild, males
seldom live longer than 10 years, as injuries sustained from continual
fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity. They typically
inhabit savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest.
Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions
consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males.
Groups of female lions typically hunt together, although they also scavenge.
Lions are keystone predators, meaning if lions were to disappear, populations of the
species they prey on would increase dramatically. The result would be excessive
competition for food between the prey species, and also between these prey
species and livestock.
Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily
recognised by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognised
animal symbols in human culture. It has been extensively depicted in
sculptures, in paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and
literature.
In Africa lions were seen as chiefs. The
claws and teeth of any lion killed were placed in the grave of a chief. This
ensured that the chief’s spirit would come back as a lion, to protect the land
and control the crops and animals fertility.
Lions enjoy almost an entire full day’s rest
of 18-20 hours of sleep per day.
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| Sleeping lion |
Lion cubs have an advantage since they have
an extended family to protect and aid in raising them. “Maturity” of the cubs
is attained by 3-4 years of age; however, they continue to grow until they are
6 years of age. By 3 years, most males are driven off to join up with another pride
or create their own.
One of the ways that the pride strengthens its
bond is through roaring. Roaring also serves as a function to establish
territorial rights and it allows stray members to re-establish contact.
Another way in which a pride distinguishes
itself is through scent marking. This is done by claw marking trees, rubbing
their cheeks/jaws on objects and/or defecating and urinating on surroundings.
MASAI MARA LION
The
Masai Mara National Reserve is a landscape of diverse habitats rich in nomadic
herds of zebra, gazelle and with wildebeest numbers estimated to run into
millions. It’s perfect lion country, Masai Mara, Kenya. It’s about 1,500 sq. km and home to about
500 lions in over 20 prides.
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| Musiara Gate - Masai Mara Game Reserve |
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| Bushbuck Adventures at Musiara Gate - Masai Mara Game Reserve |
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| Bushbuck Adventures at Musiara Gate - Masai Mara Game Reserve |
The
Musiara Marsh is home to one of the most popular prides, the marsh pride, (Big Cat Live, BBC).
In
the dry season , the marsh attracts animals from the plains coming to feed and
drink. This dense reed-beds provide the ideal cover for hunting.
As
with all lions, the females of the pride do all the hunting, while the males
sleep and
yet get the first pick of the dinner (lion’s share). But the lion is the
defender of the pride’s territory from invaders, so they do have a major role.
Lion
prides can number upto 40 animals, where the male lion will weigh close to
189kg on average, and the female 126kg. Lions have about 14years lifespan in
the wild.
Lions
in the Masai Mara are the dominant predators/killers. They typically prey on
zebra, wildebeest and gazelle, though they will also attack buffalo, hippo and
giraffe.
Lions
may be Kings of the Masai Mara, but they don’t have it all their way. Hunting can
be treacherous and injuries lethal. Only 1 in 5 attempts will end in a kill.
Buffalos
are also a regular menace in the Masai Mara to the lions because of its size
and power which poses a danger, although occasionally the buffalo will be a
meal.
DID YOU
KNOW…
·
Male lions are also called tom. This is where the saying
"Tom Cat" comes from. Female lions are called a lioness or she-lion.
Baby lions are called cubs, whelps or lionets.
·
Live to be about 15
years old in the wild and longer while in captivity.
·
Can run up to 50
mile per hour but only for a very short distance.
·
Are born blind and
do not open their eyes for a couple of weeks.
·
A lion’s roar can
be heard up to 8 kilometers away - it’s the loudest of any big cat.
·
Lions are most
active at night and prefer to hunt at this time, as their eyes are 6 times more
sensitive to light than ours.
·
In a single sitting
an adult may consume up to 30 kilograms of meat (a wildebeest weighs about 200
kilograms).
·
Lions are the only
big cats to hunt cooperatively, herding prey towards an ambush.
·
Lions also scavenge
for food, and will frequently steal the kills of other predators.
·
When they are
awake, the lion’s speed ranges from a run at 35 mph for short distances (500 meters)
to a 3-4 mph walk.
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