Lion
The lion is, arguably, the most recognisable and enduring Safari image - impressive and almost regal, a hefty bulk of pure muscle with a commanding roar, this timeless bush cat is the second-largest living cat species in the world, after the tiger. Reaching weights of up to 250 kilograms in some cases, the Lion is an animal which marshalls a great deal of respect in the wild.
The lion (Panthera leo) is a member of the genus Panthera (one of four big cats with this distinction), and, as far as is typical of cats of its order, is an extremely sociable animal. Lions live and operate in networks called prides, females hunting prey in packs, males often competing for dominance within the group. There is a recognised social heirarchy within any given lion pride, a definite communal operation which benefits the whole.
Physically, Lions are the only member of the cat family to exhibit a definite sexual dimorphism - there is a clear difference in appearance between males and females, with the males heavy, shaggy mane distinguishing them from the sleeker, maneless female. The mane, adding extra size to the already-large male lion, aids it in intimidation when confronting a competing male, or in fending off the lion’s natural enemy, the hyena.
Adult lions can weigh anywhere between 150 and 250 kg (in males), and 120 and182 kg for females. Head and body lengths can range from 140 cm to 250cm, with tail lengths of between 70 and 105 cm. For travelers who become too used to the idea that this weight isn’t a threat, “the heaviest lion known in the wild was a man-eater shot in 1936 just outside Hectorspruit in eastern Transvaal, South Africa and weighed 313 kg (690 lb)” according to the 1985 Guiness Book of World Records. Utilising sets of 8 cm long canine teeth and an incredible potential 700 lbs of pressure in their jaws, adult lions require between five and seven kilograms of meat per day in order to survive.
A carnivore and a predator, the lion is a powerhouse, well deserved of its place among the big five. Lionesses coordinate attacks in swift, powerful strikes. Lionesses have hearts comprising 0.57 of their total body weight, meaning that stamina is a hindrance. As a result, these animals have perfected the opportunistic, calculated hunting strike, picking off the slowest of any given herd in carefully orchestrated moves geared towards the kill. With the amount of energy required to power their own huge frames, and the needs of up to fifteen lions in each pride, prey preferred in a hunt includes predominantly grazers - slow and generally available in large groups which the lionesses can pick off of, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo are all good examples ideal prey for a lion pride.
Lions are found both in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asian areas, as well as a preserved, endangered collection residing within Gir Forest National Park in India. Prides typically consist between five and ten females, lion cubs, and two to three territorial males, themselves either brothers or pride mates. Lions, despite their ferocious hunting, are considered lazy animals, sleeping for up to 20 hours a day between meals.
Visiting a national park is a fantastic introduction to these impressive creatures, out in the wilds of their natural habitat.