Aug 29, 2024
Nearly all wild lions reside in Africa, but a small population exists in India. Two lion subspecies are recognised: the African lion (Panthera leo leo) in Africa south of the Sahara, and the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) around Gir Forest in western India.
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Male lions typically weigh around 190kg (nearly 30 stone), while females weigh about 126kg (nearly 20 stone). This substantial weight and strength are crucial for hunting large prey and protecting their pride.
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Young lions are born with rosettes and spots on their sandy coats, which usually fade as they grow older.
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Male lions develop majestic manes up to 16 cm long as they age, signalling dominance. However, 'maneless' lions, common in regions like Tsavo National Park, Kenya, show fewer or no manes, likely as an adaptation to local climate to prevent excessive heat loss.
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In a lion pride, related females and their cubs, along with a defending male or group, form the unit. Lionesses collectively care for the cubs, allowing them to suckle from any female with milk. This communal rearing strengthens the pride’s bonds and survival.
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Lions thrive in arid regions like the Kalahari Desert by obtaining water from their prey and even from plants, such as the Tsamma melon. Their adaptability allows them to survive in extremely dry environments where water is scarce.
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Lions can consume up to 40 kg of meat in one meal, about a quarter of their body weight. Their tongues feature sharp papillae that help scrape meat from bones, showcasing their powerful eating abilities.
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Lions primarily hunt at night due to their superior night vision but also take advantage of storms. The noise and weather obscure their presence, making prey less aware. During hunts, lionesses have specific roles: 'wings' drive prey towards 'centres' for a successful ambush.
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Lions are the only cats that roar together, with even cubs adding their mews. This coordinated roar, lasting around 40 seconds, helps mark their territory and can be heard up to 5 miles away. This group roar is a key part of pride communication and territorial defence.
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With only around 23,000 lions left in the wild, their numbers are alarmingly low compared to the 415,000 wild African elephants. Lions have vanished from over 90% of their historical range, highlighting their severe decline and the urgent need for conservation.
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