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The African Lion - a Must See on Safari to South Africa

The African Lion (Panthera leo krugeri)have their share.
is quite possibly the most popular amongWhen the lions are not hunting or
the four "Big Cats". However, unlike theeating, they usually spend the other
tiger, the jaguar, and the leopard, the20-21 hours in the day doing nothing.
lion does not have any colour pattern onHowever, things get a little bit
its fur. The body markings on these catsdangerous in the pride during mating
are apparently ideal for the habitatsseason. The males turn quite aggressive.
they generally reside in. In otherYounger and less dominant male lions
words, the tiger needs his stripes towill usually leave during these times,
hide in the forest, while the lion'sto fight for supremacy over other
tan-coloured fur is just right forprides. What usually happens is a
blending in with the grass of theconfrontation between these younger
African plains.males and the elder male of a pride. If
Lions are the only cats that livethe elder male wins, the younger male
together in groups called prides. Pridesleaves to try his luck elsewhere. If it
may consist of as many as 30 lions;is the other way around, the elder male
adult males, females and cubs. You canleaves, and the younger male eliminates
easily tell them apart - it is a wellall of his offspring. This way only the
known fact that the males are the onesyounger male's offspring would rule the
with the manes. These manes serve otherpride, if ever he defends it long enough
purposes than just visual appeal. Whilefor this to happen.
the male lion rarely joins the femalesOver history many have been amazed with
in a hunt, his primary responsibility isthe actions of the beautiful and deadly
to protect the pride. The manes makeAfrican lion. But there are also some
them look bigger, serving aswhich find these creatures a threat. All
intimidation against anything that daresAfrican lions regardless of age do not
to pose a threat. Also, as a male lionnecessarily have predators above them in
reaches sexual maturity, his mane growsthe food chain. When a pride is in the
and becomes darker. This would make thevicinity of a human settlement, and if
male more attractive to the femalethere are no other options, lions may
lions.resort to attacking the humans' domestic
As previously mentioned, the female lionlivestock, or even the humans
does most of the hunting. Their targetsthemselves.
include zebras, wildebeest, and CapeAfrican lions have not only been targets
buffalo, among other ungulates. Thefor hunting, but many have been captured
intelligence of these beasts isfor other reasons since ancient history.
overwhelming. They rely on stealth,Assyrian kings took, kept and bred lions
creeping closer and closer to a herd.as pets as early as 850 BC. Monarchs and
When the lionesses are within around 100other people in power have also used
ft, they charge with surprising speedslions as pets. Many Roman authorities
(up to 80 km/h or 50mph over shorthave also utilized African lions in the
distances). They would then knock theirColiseum, pitting them against
prey down with bites to the neck andgladiators or using them as
throat.executioners.
But if sneaking close and suddenlyAs early as the 1300's, African lions
pouncing on the prey is not effective,were features of exhibit for the elite
these wily beasts make use of morein menageries, now known as zoos. As
advanced tactics to gain the upper hand.time passed by, menageries ceased to be
Female lions usually work in groups ofexclusive displays for the rich and
four. Let's say they have a herd ofbecame more a public attraction, and in
impala in their sights. Two of themturn the demand for more enclosures for
would openly approach the herd to scarepublic animals were needed.
them. The sight of these lions, won'tAfrican lions were one of those species
take much for them to panic and runwhich were not spared from the curiosity
away. However, it's all part of theirof the world. It was not until the
strategy: These two lions have scaredrecent century where the conditions of
the herd to run in a direction leadinglions in captivity have improved.
to where the other two females areCertain details were gradually
hiding and waiting. They can easily pickimplemented to ensure that the
out a laggard and take it down.environment of the areas where they were
Regardless of how these lionesses catchdetained were close to if not identical
dinner for the pride, there is always ato the habitat where they originally
certain order as to who goes first inlived in.
eating. The dominant males are alwaysThough it is true that the African lion
first. The lionesses follow, and themay live longer in captivity, it does
cubs eventually get the leftovers. Thenot necessarily have the freedom to move
males would eat first so they can watcharound as much as it did before. The
for scavengers (Spotted Hyenas areAfrican countries are joining with the
definitely notorious for freeloading)rest of the world in the effort of
while the tired females and young cubsconservation of this mighty creature.



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