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

The African Lion (Panthera leo krugeri) is quiteWhen the lions are not hunting or eating, they
possibly the most popular among the four "Bigusually spend the other 20-21 hours in the day
Cats". However, unlike the tiger, the jaguar, anddoing nothing. However, things get a little bit
the leopard, the lion does not have any colourdangerous in the pride during mating season. The
pattern on its fur. The body markings on thesemales turn quite aggressive. Younger and less
cats are apparently ideal for the habitats theydominant male lions will usually leave during these
generally reside in. In other words, the tiger needstimes, to fight for supremacy over other prides.
his stripes to hide in the forest, while the lion'sWhat usually happens is a confrontation between
tan-coloured fur is just right for blending in withthese younger males and the elder male of a
the grass of the African plains.pride. If the elder male wins, the younger male
Lions are the only cats that live together inleaves to try his luck elsewhere. If it is the other
groups called prides. Prides may consist of asway around, the elder male leaves, and the
many as 30 lions; adult males, females and cubs.younger male eliminates all of his offspring. This
You can easily tell them apart - it is a well knownway only the younger male's offspring would rule
fact that the males are the ones with the manes.the pride, if ever he defends it long enough for
These manes serve other purposes than justthis to happen.
visual appeal. While the male lion rarely joins theOver history many have been amazed with the
females in a hunt, his primary responsibility is toactions of the beautiful and deadly African lion. But
protect the pride. The manes make them lookthere are also some which find these creatures a
bigger, serving as intimidation against anything thatthreat. All African lions regardless of age do not
dares to pose a threat. Also, as a male lionnecessarily have predators above them in the
reaches sexual maturity, his mane grows andfood chain. When a pride is in the vicinity of a
becomes darker. This would make the male morehuman settlement, and if there are no other
attractive to the female lions.options, lions may resort to attacking the humans'
As previously mentioned, the female lion doesdomestic livestock, or even the humans
most of the hunting. Their targets include zebras,themselves.
wildebeest, and Cape buffalo, among otherAfrican lions have not only been targets for
ungulates. The intelligence of these beasts ishunting, but many have been captured for other
overwhelming. They rely on stealth, creepingreasons since ancient history. Assyrian kings took,
closer and closer to a herd. When the lionesseskept and bred lions as pets as early as 850 BC.
are within around 100 ft, they charge withMonarchs and other people in power have also
surprising speeds (up to 80 km/h or 50mph overused lions as pets. Many Roman authorities have
short distances). They would then knock theiralso utilized African lions in the Coliseum, pitting
prey down with bites to the neck and throat.them against gladiators or using them as
But if sneaking close and suddenly pouncing on theexecutioners.
prey is not effective, these wily beasts make useAs early as the 1300's, African lions were
of more advanced tactics to gain the upper hand.features of exhibit for the elite in menageries,
Female lions usually work in groups of four. Let'snow known as zoos. As time passed by,
say they have a herd of impala in their sights.menageries ceased to be exclusive displays for
Two of them would openly approach the herd tothe rich and became more a public attraction, and
scare them. The sight of these lions, won't takein turn the demand for more enclosures for public
much for them to panic and run away. However,animals were needed.
it's all part of their strategy: These two lions haveAfrican lions were one of those species which
scared the herd to run in a direction leading towere not spared from the curiosity of the world.
where the other two females are hiding andIt was not until the recent century where the
waiting. They can easily pick out a laggard andconditions of lions in captivity have improved.
take it down.Certain details were gradually implemented to
Regardless of how these lionesses catch dinnerensure that the environment of the areas where
for the pride, there is always a certain order asthey were detained were close to if not identical
to who goes first in eating. The dominant malesto the habitat where they originally lived in.
are always first. The lionesses follow, and theThough it is true that the African lion may live
cubs eventually get the leftovers. The maleslonger in captivity, it does not necessarily have
would eat first so they can watch for scavengersthe freedom to move around as much as it did
(Spotted Hyenas are definitely notorious forbefore. The African countries are joining with the
freeloading) while the tired females and youngrest of the world in the effort of conservation of
cubs have their share.this mighty creature.