5 LION WILD FACTS
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The most famous of Africa’s wildlife, the ‘King of the jungle’, the lion. There is so much to be learnt about these large cats!
Here 5 facts you may not know ;)
1. African lions are the largest of the African cats!
And second largest in the family Felidae, behind the tiger.
The average male lion weighs around 180 kg and can reach a shoulder height of around 1.2 metres. Females weigh around 130Kg for a meter height.
Photos: Shannon Wild
2. Female lions are the main hunters
They do 85-90% of the prides hunting, whilst the male lions patrol the territory and protect the pride. However, it’s the male that eat the prey first!
Lions mostly target large-sized animals, such as buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and even young elephants and hippos. They also steal kills from hyenas and wild dogs.
Photos: Shannon Wild
3. Lions are lazy
Actually, the laziest of the big cats family!
They rest most of the time and can sleep for 16-20 hours each day.
Photos: Shannon Wild
4. African lions are the most social of all big cats
The size of the pride depends on the area and prey availability but can consist of about 15 lions and up to 25 individuals with typically 1-4 adult males, several adult females (one dominant), sub-adults and cubs.
Lionesses stay in the pride as they grow up whereas young males eventually leave the pride and attempt to establish their own.
Photos: Shannon Wild
5. Lion are loud
The roar of a lion can be heard from up to 8 kilometres away.
They use their roar to communicate among themselves and Male lions more specifically to scare off intruders, warn the pride of potential danger and show off power among other males.
Photo: Shannon Wild