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Lion by Biger Strahl/

15 Interesting Facts about Lions

The lion is a well-muscled cat with a long body, large head, and short legs. Size and appearance vary considerably between the sexes. The scientific name for lions is Panthera Leo. The genus Panthera is of Greek origin and comprises big cat species such as tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards that can roar. Leo is the Latin word for lion. Out of all the Big Cats in Masai Mara, the Lion is the one that arouses much awe and admiration. It is the largest of Africa’s big cats and is commonly referred to as the King of the Jungle. In Kenya, you can spot these magnificent creatures while on a wildlife safari in Masai Mara Game Reserve. Lions can live almost anywhere, having been recorded in open grasslands, woodlands, thick bushes, and thick, scrubby areas. The African lion population has declined by 43% in the last twenty years and lions now occupy only 8% of their historical range in Africa. Lions primarily eat large animals that weigh from 100 to 1,000 pounds, such as zebra and wildebeest. Lions lay around most of the day resting in the shade. They will store up energy for short intense bursts of hunting where they can run extremely fast for short periods to capture their prey.

These are interesting facts about lions

1. Interestingly lions are social animals and live in groups Pride

Pride of lions by Matt Reed/

Lions are the only cats who live in groups. They are known for being loyal to their family, not their biological family but their pride, this sometimes means that they do not keep family members in their pride especially if they are male. Lions have several characteristics that differentiate them from the other wild predatory cats of the world. One of the key differences is its social behavior. The size of a lion pride can vary widely, and the structure differs between African and Asian subspecies. On average, lion pride consists of about two or three males and 5 to 10 females, along with their young. The Swahili word for lion, Simba, also means king, strong, and aggressive. Adult male lions are much larger than females and usually have an impressive mane of hair around the neck. Living in pride makes life easier. Hunting as a group means there is a better chance that the lions have food when they need it, and it is less likely that they will get injured while hunting. The head of the family is the proud male. He鈥檚 the king of the pride and it鈥檚 his job to protect the female lions, called lionesses, and their young cubs. A male lion may banish his kin from the pride if there is a possibility of him becoming competitive. Thereafter, the male lion, now old enough, must form his pride. They do this by taking over another lion鈥檚 pride. Lions in pride protect each other from outsiders and predators.

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2. Astonishingly the lioness hunts while the male lion defends the pride

Lionesses hunting by Leon Pauleikhoff/Unsplash

The social structure of pride is based on specific roles. Lionesses are the primary hunters, while dominant males are responsible for protecting the pride’s territory. It is understood to many that due to the role a male lion plays within a pride, the role of being the protector, he is omitted from the hunting duties as this is left to the lioness beautiful tawny-colored cats that blend in perfectly with their surroundings. This is true in many instances. The lionesses serve to provide for the pride and the males that are dominant over that pride.  Lion prey includes antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and other grassland animals. These animals are often larger and faster than an individual lion. By hunting together, lions can exhaust and kill their prey. Females are the core heart and soul of the pride, Lionesses are much faster which makes them better hunters than lions. Lion runs 35 mph however Lioness can reach up to a speed of 45 mph. This is because of the body shape and structure. The Lioness is sleek and has a flexible body, which makes the Lioness run faster without any problem but the Lion is large and heavy.

3. Unbelievably lions have two subspecies

There were seven lion subspecies derived. Some lion species became extinct thousands of years ago, while others have faded out due to humans. Additionally, it鈥檚 important to note that many surviving species of lions are in danger of extinction. Lions can be found in almost every part of Africa, as well as in a small region in India. They have conventionally been divided into two subspecies: the African subspecies Panthera Leo and the Asian lion Panthera Leo persica. The lion is the second largest cat species in the world after the tiger. Currently, wild lions are found in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa and India. Lions are expert predators and scavengers and are mainly nocturnal by nature. Wild lions survive for about 10 to 14 years while captive ones survive as long as twenty years. African lions live in plains or savanna habitats with a large prey base and sufficient cover available.

4. Remarkably lions are hyper carnivorous

Lions are carnivorous by Eeclo Bohtlingk/

Lions are different from most other carnivores as they are able and willing to adapt their diets to their environment. A lion eats more than 70% of meat in his diet, Lions are generally not that hungry all the time. They hunt when it is needed. Otherwise, they stick to their spot and take a rest. Lions need a significant amount of energy to hunt and kill an animal an adult lioness requires an average of 5 kg of meat each day. Female lions capture most of the mid-sized prey example wildebeest, and zebras but the males typically catch the really large prey buffalo and giraffes. Apex Predators, lions are at the top of the food chain which means no other animal sees them as prey. They are known as Obligate Carnivores lions only consume animal flesh for nourishment. lions cannot effectively digest vegetation, but they still may nibble on some grass or fruits. Lions do not have the enzymes responsible to break down plants they can only digest meat successfully. On average, an adult lion kills fifteen animals annually, in the zoo lions are on a diet comprised of beef, chicken, and rabbit.

5. Amazingly male lions have a mane

Male Lion by Bisakha Datta

Only male lions have manes, however, not all males have them. There are many lions around the world without manes and some with less pronounced ones. Although African lions are generally bigger with huge manes compared to Asiatic lions, there are maneless lions in Africa as well. Lions grow a thick mane of hair around their necks to protect that vulnerable area from attacks by other lions. Male lions start to grow manes around the age of two years, which signals the onset of sexual maturity, the size, and density of the mane can help a lion appear larger, and therefore more threatening, warning away possible opponents. Darker, fuller manes indicate a healthy lion with plenty of testosterone. A lion with big and darker manes would typically attract the females, but also tells potential rivals to beware; he won鈥檛 back down from a fight. Mane length is also a signal to other lions of fighting success. In a hot climate, the mane is clean and keeps the lion cool.

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6. Unbelievably Lions also climb trees

Lionesses in a tree by Ivan Sabayuki/

Generally, all cats can climb trees without exception. Some are just better than others and have evolved special skills to climb trees for their survival. Lions are better known for lazing about under trees, especially in the heat of the day. As with most rules, however, nature always throws a curveball. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is often said to have the world’s only tree-climbing lions. The same is said about Manyara National Park in Tanzania. But the truth is, the tree climbing lions aren’t a special type or breed of lions, basically any lion can climb a tree, it more depends on the presence of suitable trees to climb. The reason why lions climb trees is to get away from charging buffalos, avoid the wet grass, get a cooling breeze, get a better view of the surroundings, or get away from annoying flies. Younger Lions see older Lions climb trees and copy the behavior, so the habit grows in that pride, adult Tree climbing lions are very rare. Most lions keep away from trees once they reach a certain size.

7. Interestingly Lions breed within two years

Lion and Lioness by Andrea Brataas/

Lions begin to breed at two years but reach their prime at five. Mating takes place at most times of the year and a male may mate with several females. A lioness has cubs about every two years and gestation is 105 to 112 days. Shortly before birth, she chooses a suitable place for her lair, which ideally should be out of sight from predators, sheltered, and close to water. Females are usually restricted to one or two adult males of their pride. In captivity lions often breed every year, but in the wild, they usually breed no more than once in two years. Lions have no particular breeding season, and often synchronize breeding, especially after a pride takeover, raising the cubs communally. Male lions become sexually mature at around twenty-six months old but are unlikely to breed before the age of four or five, primarily due to a lack of opportunity until they are large enough at around this age to take over a pride and therefore its breeding rights.

8. The interesting Life span of a lion鈥檚 cub

A cub by Catherine Merlin/

The number of cubs born is between 2 to 5 litters they are born blind and with a spotted coat. Their eyes open at six days and for the first two months they are dependent on their mother’s milk. At six weeks, the cubs begin to accompany their mother to the kill and she teaches them how to hunt. A cub cannot tear meat until it gets permanent teeth at one year, so it continues to rely on its mother for food. By fifteen months a cub can kill small prey. When the cubs reach two years, their mother is usually pregnant again and they have to leave her. Some females may be allowed to stay in the pride, but all the male cubs are driven out by the dominant male. Less than half the young lions will survive their first two or three weeks alone. The male lions do not take part in taking care of the cubs but ensure to protect them in the pride. After a few weeks, the lion cub is ready to join the rest of the pride. Cubs are typically shy at first, but soon develop bonds with the members of pride through play. A lioness can take care of a neglected cub and allow it to be part of the pride.

9. Astonishingly Lions have various ways of communicating

Lions communicating by Maurits Bausenhart/Unsplash

Lions rub each other heads as a way of greeting this is common among lions. Lions communicate through vocalizations such as roars, by leaving scent markings, and through visual cues, such as the darkness of the mane.  The males roar to protect their territory from competing males, attract mating partners, and discourage other predators. Lions communicate with one another to keep social order. The dominant males are most apt to let a member of the pride know when he or she is out of order. This is often done with a quick swat of the paw or a gentle bite to the neck. The intent is not to harm the offender, but to let him know that he needs to fall in line. Lions use their ears and their tails to communicate with each other when they hunt. The black tips allow them to easily see the other members of the pride in front of them.

10. Lions have an interesting way to mark their territory

Lions by Jeremy Avery/

Lions are famous for their sonorous roar but have other forms of communication as well, mostly used to mark territory. They spread their scent by rubbing their muzzle on tufts of grass or shrubs, and they rake the earth with their hind paws, as the paws have scent glands, too. Adult males also spray urine as a message. Lion territories are approximately twenty square kilometers or even more and are passed down through generations of females. Territory marking and roaring go hand in hand to reinforce boundaries. Males defend the pride’s territory, marking the area with urine, roaring menacingly to warn intruders, and chasing off animals that encroach on their turf. The lions that are unable to claim territory and defend it successfully are less likely to survive and breed successfully. The lion鈥檚 roar is a territorial display that can be heard from at least five km away. Lions can count the number of individuals in a roaring group and will challenge the invaders if they safely outnumber them.

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11. Remarkably lions have a unique way to hunt

Lioness Hunting by Avel Chuklanov/

Lions hunting strategies are calculated and unique. Mostly the lion attacks the bigger prey like cape buffalos, zebras, and giraffes in groups. They stay hidden in the grass and let the prey come close. Lions have the experience to keep patience because most of their prey have a better speed. During the hunt, they stay hidden in the grass without any little movement and wait for a long time until the prey comes closer. The lion is a large, fearsome cat of the Panthera genus, typical to Africa and India. Lions usually hunt at dusk and spend most of the day resting and sleeping. They have excellent eyesight and can see well in the dark. It is usually the lionesses who do the hunting. The lion takes little part in the hunt but he always eats his fill of the kill before the rest of the pride begin their meal. Lions prefer to hunt zebra and wildebeest; these animals are slower and easier to catch than gazelles and small antelopes.

12. Unbelievably lions can survive and live anywhere

Male lion at the savannah by Jean Wimmerlin/

Lions can live almost anywhere, having been recorded in open grasslands, woodlands, thick bushes, and thick, scrubby areas. The most important habitat requirement for lions is the availability of suitable prey. Lions can consume a great variety of prey species, lions also need cover, in the form of long grass, bushes, or trees, to be able to stalk prey and capture it. Lions also require water; while they do not need to drink every day, or obtain moisture from their prey, they do require water relatively regularly. Lions sleep a lot during the day as a result, they will always seek shade in the hottest hours of the day, which can take the form of trees, bushes, or rocks. Young males are driven by their pride when they grow large enough to compete with the dominant males. Females usually stay in their mothers’ pride for life, unless food scarcity forces them out. Males entering a new pride will kill all cubs that cannot run from them. Adult males that are fortunate enough to achieve residency within a pride hold tenure for an average of two years, often leaving due to eviction by another coalition of males.

13. Lions are fascinatingly strong and the body is built to be fast and hunt prey

Lionesses by Jeff LeMond /

Lions have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth, and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have shaggy manes that range in color from blond to reddish-brown to black. The length and color of a lion’s mane are likely determined by age, genetics, and hormones. Lions are tawny, brown, gold, or blonde in color and have short coat with a long tail that has a tuft of longer fur at the end. The functions of the tuft are unknown, and it is absent at birth and develops at around 5 1鈦�2 months of age. The markings on their coat are much fainter than other big cats, which helps them to go unseen when they stalk their prey. Lions of young age have light spots on their coats that disappear as they grow. Lions鈥� jaws are very strong and contain 30 teeth, including four fang-like canines and four carnassial teeth. Their bodies are muscular and slender, and they have flexible forelimbs and retractable claws. Their heels do not touch the ground when they walk, which is because they have big toes and pads on the bottom of their feet, which allow them to move quietly. Their ears are disk-shaped and they have excellent vision. The eyes of a lion are six times more sensitive to light than the eyes of a human. This means their night vision is far better than that of some of their prey.

14. Amazingly a Lion’s roar can be heard from several kilometers

A lion roaring by Glen Carrie/

Roaring is a key component of lion social behavior and territoriality. A lion鈥檚 roar is arguably the world鈥檚 most iconic animal sound. Roars can be heard from several kilometers away when conditions are right. A roar also allows members of pride to find one another as its sound can travel such long distances. Lions have the loudest roars of all big cats, but they鈥檙e not the only big cats you鈥檒l find in southern Africa. Roaring is a way to gauge strength, Lions will use their roar to ward off potential intruders, and to protect their territory and their pride. Lions may growl, moan, groan, huff and puff and emit gurgling growls that resemble purring because unlike traditional purrs which are continuous the vibratory sounds that lions produce are only evident when they exhale.

15. Interestingly Lion鈥檚 word day is August 10^th

Lion by Elie Khoury/

World Lion Day on August 10 aims to raise awareness about the plight faced by lions. Scientifically known as Panthera Leo, lions are one of the most well-known and popular animal species out there. They are called the 鈥楰ings of the Jungle鈥� due to their arresting and fearsome personalities created by their great bodies and heavy, shiny manes. A lion鈥檚 powerful roar is second to none, and it can be heard even five miles away. Owing to the pop culture icons like Simba from The Lion King, lions are also loved by children. This celebration of the animal kingdom鈥檚 most beautiful and fearsome creature was founded by Big Cat Rescue, the world鈥檚 largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to big cats. August 10th is a day for people to come together from across the world to pay tribute to the mighty lion in as many ways as possible.