African lions: description and photo

These large cats have long ago inspired the whole of mankind with respect for themselves, having subdued our imagination. Did you recognize them? Of course, these are African lions. We honor these animals, endow them with the best human qualities: courage, nobility, faithfulness and power. But folklore, folklore, but do not forget that the lions are dangerous predatory cats, capable of everything for the sake of profit. How do they behave in the wild? We learn!

The undisputed lord of beasts

Why are African lions endowed with "royal" powers and are considered leaders among all modern land animals? First, they have a rather regal look. Secondly, with the word "lion" in our imagination, there is primarily a large grubby cat in the prime of life. Thirdly, the unique black-brown or dark golden mane of a lion can not be taken seriously, because it gives him the greatness of a monarch!

No less impressive voice has these majestic animals. For example, on a quiet night, a lion's roar horrifies everyone who hears at a distance of up to 8 kilometers. A lot of royal qualities African lions show in their behavior. In an ordinary state these predators are majestic and sociable and good-natured, except when they protect their prey or their family. Nevertheless, some scientists doubt the vaunted nobility of these animals: males quite often take prey from their own females and consume it in plenty.

Where do African lions live?

As can be seen from their name, these predators inhabit mostly savannahs of Africa, but can also move to shrubby locality or even to forests. Once they inhabited the territory of Europe, the Middle and Middle East, as well as India. Unfortunately, the development of livestock in the world contributed to a reduction in the population of these animals, which, in turn, pushed them exclusively to the South. Currently, these animals trample the lands of Africa south of the Sahara desert, and in India they are kept in the reserve "Gar Forest".

The second largest after the tiger

The African lion is a predatory mammal, one of four representatives of the genus of large cats called the panther. It is the second largest modern wild cat after the tiger. The weight of some lions can reach 250 kilograms, and length - 3 meters. As a rule, females are an order of magnitude smaller than males: their body length does not exceed 2.2 meters, and the weight fluctuates about 140 kilograms.

Lions living in Africa are the only cats that can be easily distinguished from each other externally and sexually: lions do not have manes. These truly majestic animals have tremendous physical power. For example, an adult lion with one paw punch can knock a 300-gram zebra off his feet! From other large cats, lions are distinguished by the fact that they live as related groups of several males and females. Scientists call such communities pride.

How is their pride arranged?

These African animals (lions and lionesses) are collective residents. Usually in their flock (pride) includes 2-3 males, as well as several lionesses with cubs. Each such family has its own leader. It does not have to be a large and strong animal. The main thing here is to be a leader from nature, then the other males of the pride will recognize you and respect you. The leader, in turn, should be patient and good-natured to all pride members. Usually the number of one lion flock varies from 5 to 40 animals.

Zoologists argue that all the lionesses within a single Pride are related by kindred ties. They are sisters to each other, mothers, cousins, daughters, granddaughters, grandmothers. As a rule, the lioness born in the pack, in it and remain until the end, but if the group grows rapidly, then the pride can be divided into two parts. Females together take care of their offspring and others, defend their possessions, hunt together and eat food.

But not always in the lion family everything is sweet, but smooth. African lions are not always supportive of their females. Soulless males can simply take food from their females and their own children, until they have enough to eat themselves. The lion leader, aged or sick members of the pride, does not protect, but, on the contrary, drives away from the pack. If the leader himself grows old and aged, he will become food for hyenas. Such are their uneasy relations. Who said that the lion is a noble creature?

How do they hunt?

The extraction of food in the lives of these predators, as in the life of any other animal, is of paramount importance. The obligation to procure food within the pride is entrusted to the females, males are responsible for the safety of their family, and also participate in the procreation. Lionesses, consisting of one flock, are hunted by their own group. Their extraction is large ungulate animals, for example, antelopes. They get food in three different ways:

• Independent day-hunting of African lions;
• Selection of food from other animals;
• Eating of carrion (already dead animals).

Lionesses usually hunt in the daytime, but with a strong sense of hunger, they do it all day and night. In such a period, they attack not only large ungulates, but also hippos, birds, hares, mice, people ... As soon as the lionesses take note of the victim, they quietly get closer to her, and then strike a sudden and lightning strike. As soon as the prey is stunned, her relatives come to help the lioness.

How many years live the lions?

In nature, these predators, like ordinary cats, live from 10 to 15 years. In captivity, African lions (circus, zoo) live to 25 years. As a rule, males in the wild rarely live to at least 10 years old. It's understandable: brutal fights with other lions impose their own imprint on this. As already mentioned above, the number of these African carnivores is inevitably reduced. Over the past 20 years, their population has decreased by 40%.

Lion in human culture

No wonder the ancient Egyptians portrayed the lion as a symbol of divine power and royal dignity (remember the Sphinx?). The ancient Greeks and Assyrians generally saw in these majestic animal companions goddesses. It is believed that in early Christian folklore and art the lion could symbolize Jesus Christ himself. In the Middle Ages, these predators decorated the arms of many houses belonging to monarchs and nobles.