Lion
The "King of the Jungle". Panthera leo. Possibly the single most regal and impressive member of the cat family; with an average of 8 cm long canine teeth affixed to a jaw capable of applying nearly 700 lbs of pressure, and a mane which leaves no question as to its status as ruler over all it surveys - ladies and gentlemen, the Kruger National Park would like to introduce the lion!
The male lion stands typically at four feet in height, and can weigh anywhere from 450 to 500 pounds (females more in the range of 300 to 350). Length is between 6 and 8 feet, not including their nearly 3 foot long tail. It is the second largest member of the cat family, after the tiger, and an intimidating predator by any set of standards.
With its tan, muscular body and white belly, the male lion's calling card is its heavy, thick mane, with its shades of gold and black, covering and framing its head with a large, royal crown. Manes start off pale in colour, darkening from age and time spent outdoors, until a black mane signifies the adult lion has fully matured, is considered to have good breeding potential, and will most likely be courted by lionesses as a potential mate.
Kruger National Park gives guests the opportunity to be within arm's reach of "the king" . Since the establishment of the park in 1898, the lion has been an integral part of its wildlife and has grown exponentially throughout the years to number nearly two thousand, which is the largest population of lions in Africa.
Communal cats, African Lions are keystone predators and an embodiment of strength, speed, and ferocity. An interesting fact about these regal creatures are their sociability and their establishment of their social network called a ‘pride’. They hunt and live together, maximising their chance of success and survival during the harsher seasons. Usually, the pride consists of teamwork, a division of labour, and an extended but exclusive family unit which centres around a group of related females. The pride generally consists of 15 members – between 5 and 10 females and their young, and 2 or 3 territorial males that are usually brothers or pride mates. The regal male lions are stronger and bulkier, allowing them defend their precious pride, territory and fight off any intruders. Lionesses are the more athletic ones in the pride, since it permits them to predominate in hunting, their main role primarily in the pride. Their weapons include piercing claws, powerful jaws and canines near three inches!! Lions are opportunistic predators and can be described as both hunters and scavengers. It is not uncommon to find the lion searching for descending vultures, as this will likely lead to the discovery of a new food source for them.
Lions are carnivores with their habitats generally found in dense bush and woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands. Lionesses can typically live to between 12 and 14 years if they survive the rigours of cub-hood, but the males don’t tend to live beyond 8 years. Survival rates in the Kruger Park, though, are higher with both genders able to live up to 20 years of age.