LION

HABITS

Unlike most members of the cat family, lions are social animals that live in prides (family groups) of 20-30 individuals. Some prides include a single male, while others have as many as four. While there is more than one male, the males are most likely litter mates. Males are strongly territorial and will challenge intruders, and lionesses will fight off other females. Males will often fight until one lion is killed. The winner takes over dominance of the territory, and of the pride.

BREEDING

After several seasons with a pride, the male becomes restless and may be disinterested in resisting a challenge from a rival male. If he losses, he will search for another pride to dominate.

A lioness has cubs approximately every 2 years. Shortly before giving birth, she chooses a suitable site for her liar, which must be well hidden, safe from potential predators, sheltered, and close to water.  The cubs are born blind and have spotted coats. For the first 2 months, they drink only their mother's milk. At 6 weeks, they begin to accompany their mother to the kill, acquiring a taste for meat and learning how to hunt. By 15 months, the cubs can hunt small prey. When the cubs reach 2 years of age, their mother is pregnant again and they must leave her. Some young females may be allowed to remain in the pride, but all the male cubs are driven out by the dominant male. Normally uninterested in females, the male hardly leaves his partner's side during mating season.

FOOD & HUNTING

Lions hunt at dusk.  They have excellent eyesight and can see well in the dark.  The lionesses usually hunt for the entire pride.  While the lion plays little or no part in the hunt, he always takes precedence at the kill, dragging the prey to a chosen spot, then gorging himself before the female and cubs can eat.  Hunting is an organized event.  During the dry season when water is scarce, lions often lie in wait close to a water hole, waiting for prey to come to drink.  Lions prefer to hunt wildebeest and zebra, as these animals are slower and easier to catch than small antelopes and gazelles.  When prey is scarce, lions eat almost anything,  including carrion (dead or rotting animals).  Hunger may drive them to attack larger prey, including giraffe, buffalo, or even rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and elephant calves.

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS

Largest and most powerful of the African carnivores, a male lion in his prime is an impressive sight.  Male Lions usually have a tawny mane which gradually darkens with age.  Because of their dark manes, old males are known as black-manned lions.  When lionesses hunt together, several lie in wait downwind of the herd, while another travels around the herd until she is upwind of it.  Suddenly, she breaks cover and chases the frightened herd straight toward the hidden ambush.  If hunting alone, a lioness stalks her prey downwind of it.  She gets as close as possible without being seen before attacking

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