1. A SMALL POPULATION OF WILD LIONS LIVE ELSEWHERE, BUT MOST WILD LIONS LIVE IN AFRICA
There are two officially recognized subspecies of lions in the wild. South of the Sahara Desert is where one can find the African lion (Panthera leo leo). Around Gir Forest National Park in western India, there is just one tiny population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica). Wild lions in western and central Africa are more closely related to these Asiatic lions in India than they are to those in southern and eastern Africa.
2. Male lions can weigh up to 30 stone
Male lions weigh 190kg (nearly 30 stone) on average, whereas females weigh 126kg (almost 20 stone). They require this weight and strength to hunt large animals and protect their pride.
3. LIONS EAT A LOT
In a single meal, lions can consume up to 40 kg of meat, or almost a fourth of their body weight. Their tongues have papillae, which are rasps with sharp tips used to scrape flesh from bones.
4. THEY BEGIN SPOTTY
On their sandy coats, young lions have rosettes and spots, but they typically vanish as they get older.
5. LION CUBS ARE RAISED IN A GROUP
A group of related mothers and their cubs, as well as one or a few males who guard the pride, make up a lion pride. The lionesses raise their offspring collectively, and the youngsters are free to drink milk from any of the females.
6. THE GRAND MANES ON THE MALE LIONS TELL A STORY
The older lions get, the more impressive their manes become. These 16 cm long manes are a show of dominance and can develop lengthily. Their manes become progressively darker as they age. In addition to luring females, their manes might shield their necks and head from harm if they get into a battle.
7. LIONS CAN FIND WATER IN PLANTS
Due to their remarkable adaptability, lions can survive in dry regions like the Kalahari Desert. The majority of their water supply in this area comes from their prey, though they will also drink from plants like the Tsamma melon.
8. DURING STORMS, THEY HUNT
Since their eyes have been used to the dark, lions hunt primarily at night, giving them a significant edge over their prey. Since the wind and noise make it more difficult for prey to see and hear them, they hunt more frequently during storms. Lionesses play specific duties during hunting. Some play the part of the “wing,” while others play the part of the “center.” The wings chase the prey toward the centers.
9. THE ONLY CATS THAT ROAR AS A GROUP ARE LIONS.
Only lions have been observed to roar in groups, with even tiny cubs joining in with their mews. Typically, the calling sequence lasts for roughly 40 seconds. A roar from a pride of lions, sometimes known as a troop of lions, may be heard from five miles distant as they mark their territory.
10. LIONS ARE NOT AS MANY AS YOU WOULD THINK
As few as 23,000 lions are said to still exist in the wild. When you consider that there are about 415,000 wild African elephants, you realize how few lions there are. In actuality, lions are no longer found in more than 90% of their former habitat.
LIONS FACE A LOT OF THREATS
In just three generations, it is estimated that the population of African lions has decreased by more than 40%.
Reduced natural prey and habitat are the main risks, along with retaliatory or preventative slaughter to protect people and cattle (for example, due to expanding human settlements and therefore less available grazing).
When their natural prey is in short supply, lions can severely damage cattle, destroying the livelihood of the local population.
Climate change is another growing threat; harsh weather may result in increased droughts or delayed rainfall, which would disrupt the prey of lions.
They are also used as human food in the illegal wildlife trade. The need for lion bone as a tiger bone alternative in conventional Asian medicine has increased recently.