Africa has long attracted Europeans with its diverse and rich flora and fauna. Animals such as giraffe, rhinoceros, elephant, lion have become iconic for this continent. The king of beasts is one of the largest feline representatives, and it differs not only in size. His lifestyle is also not typical for the family. He deserves special attention.
The appearance of a lion
Before we find out where the lion lives, let's describe his appearance. These animals belong to the predatory mammals of the cat family. In total, more than ten subspecies are known. The males are very large. On average, their weight is from 170 to 185 kilograms. The body has a length of one hundred and seventy to two hundred and twenty centimeters. And that's without the tail! The male is distinguished from the female by a rich mane of light or dark shades. On the tail is a brush. The fur on the belly of the animal is white, on top the color varies from light sandy to reddish brown. On the muzzle, in the area where the vibrissa is located, lions have spots that are unique to each individual. This sign is used when observing animals for their identification. femaleshave a more modest size: an average of about one hundred and fifty centimeters. Weight can be from 120 to 150 kilograms. This predator is distinguished not only by strength, agility, but also by a calm disposition. It is not dangerous for humans, rarely attacks itself. Most often this happens if the animal is injured.
Pride
Nature lovers wonder where lions live. In the savanna, in Africa. They inhabit not only the grassy plains, but also the semi-deserts of this hot continent. They form families, the so-called prides. This is not typical for cats. The group includes one dominant male, several adult females and cubs of both sexes. On average, about 13 animals. Roles are strictly distributed. The females are responsible for the cubs and hunt. Male lions act only as territory guards. Moreover, as a result of skirmishes, they can even kill other feline representatives, as well as hyenas. Antelopes and even elephants act as prey for these large predators. It also happens that a family specializes in only one type of prey. To feed, an adult male needs to eat from 18 to 31 kilograms of meat at a time. Lions eat once every 2-3 days. But at the same time, they endure without food for a long time, up to several weeks. The dominant male eats first, then the females, and lastly the cubs. Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Raising offspring
During the mating season, lions fight for the female. It often happens when, as a result, one of the opponentsdies. In a pride where a lion lives, the dominant male mates with the lioness. In the process, he very gently bites her scruff. This is typical for cats. Three and a half months later, the pregnant female leaves the family group, finds shelter and produces offspring. Cubs are born with a spotted skin, helpless and blind. Until the age of six or seven months, they suck their mother's milk, and then switch to eating meat. The lioness returns to the flock with grown lion cubs. Adult animals raise young, but as soon as they reach puberty, males are expelled. Only the strongest should remain in the family group. Therefore, where a lion lives, occupying a dominant position, the other male has nothing to do. If juveniles expelled from the family return, they may be killed by their own father. The lionesses in the pride also drive away the grown females. Lone predators do not live long, they die in skirmishes, in the struggle for their role in the family. Quite often, the exiled male creates his own family group. But for this he must gain experience and strength.
Habitat and hunting
Are you curious about the range of lions? Their main habitat is south of the Sahara and in India, in the Gir forest. In the past, these animals were widespread. Traditions report that lions lived not only in North Africa, but also in India, Pakistan, Turkey and Greece. The number of these majestic predators has declined sharply due to intensive human hunting, as well as due to habitat changes that have occurred. Thembuffaloes, giraffes, and other ungulates can be prey. Most often these are zebras and wildebeests. The hunt is done in groups. Basically, this is the task of lionesses. They take up a position in ambush, and one sneaks up on the chosen victim and charges at him. She drives the animal to the group waiting for her. The male helps to overwhelm the largest prey. Predators migrate after herds of ungulates. Therefore, it is quite difficult to say where the lion lives. During seasonal movements of potential prey, the female with helpless kittens is most often left alone. Her pride is leaving.
White lion
In nature, there are animals in which the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for color, is reduced. The color of such lions can vary, it can be snow-white or cream-beige. A sign of this phenomenon is considered to be a recessive gene, preserved from the distant ancestors of predators. Where white lions live, animals of traditional color also live. However, it is very difficult for blue-eyed, light-skinned animals to hunt. They cannot become invisible to prey, disguise themselves.
King of beasts - in nature and captivity
In nature, there are several subspecies of lions. They differ in size, color of the mane. On the pages of specialized publications, you can get information about the diversity that wildlife has, lions are part of it. These beautiful predators live not only in African expanses, but also in national zoos. They breed successfully in captivity. Some species, such as the Asiatic lion, are on the verge ofdisappearance.
