African Lion - Africa’s Top Predator
September 7, 2007 by Jerry
Lions are big cats, the record holder died in South Africa in 1936 a man eater whose weight was that of five adult humans. Only the tiger is a heavier cat.
Lions see very well and six times better than us at night than us at night. Everything about a lion says strength. Africa’s top carnivore has an emensly powerful neck and forequarters. This allows it not only to drag but to tackle prey much larger than them including the much feared African buffalo weighing 1510 lbs or 685kgs.
The great hallmark of a male is its mane, which advertises its status and protects its neck.
All lions including those found in asia belong to the same species with no sub species.
Lions are the only cats that live in a group and are one of the most successful of Africa’s predators.
A group of lions is refereed to as a pride. Prides are usually made up of several females who are usually related and usually stay in that pride for life.
As for the males, its all about competition. Male lions in a pride have the responsibility of protecting the females and their cubs that may be killed should another male take over the pride.
Lions usually walk in crocodile formation with mothers infront and cubs in the rear.
Although lions are the top predators, this doesn’t not mean that they always get their way when it comes to hunting, Four out of Five lion chases end in failure. A successful hunt is not just about skill but a combination of skill and luck.
Lions usually roar at dusk and dawn. (They must have figured out that this is when sound travels best.) Both sexes roar not just the males. Roars are used to contact one another and also to warn strangers of boundaries. A lions roar can travel 5 miles.
Always like to watch lions prey at National Geographical documentaries. Look so strong, majestic and graceful in their chase.