World lion day: 5 curiosities of the king of the jungle

In recognition of these majestic felines, the World Lions Day, in order to generate conservation awareness and alerting humanity to its imminent danger of extinction as a species.

This date is also a reminder for the crime of the lion Cecil in 2015 in Hwange National Park, located in Zimbabwe, Africa. Hunted out of his nature reserve and skinned on behalf of a North American dentist who enjoys big game hunting. This fact has sparked deep indignation and denunciations against poaching in parts of Africa, generating strong protests around the world.

According to recent figures, the African lion population has declined by 40% over the past 20 years, which is why the species has been classified as “vulnerable”. by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This is basically motivated by poaching and indiscriminate hunting of the species, as well as the affectation of its habitat.

Here are 5 curiosities of the so-called king of the jungle:

1. The herd

Lions are the only felines that live in groups, called prides. Herds are family units that can include up to three males, ten females and their young. All of the lionesses in the herd are related and the female cubs tend to stay in the group as they grow older. Young males eventually leave their families and form their own groups, taking over the management of another herd led by another male.

2. The mane

Lions are the only felines with a mane. Typically, only male lions sport this impressive hair around their heads.

The tone of the manes can vary from light brown to black. Color depends on genetics, but it is also influenced by environmental factors. Dark manes make males more attractive, as females show a greater preference for them, possibly because they indicate higher testosterone levels and good health.

However, Manes are not exclusive to males: although rare, maned lionesses have been observed in the Mombo area of ​​the Okavango Delta., Botswana. In contrast, lions in Tsavo, Kenya, do not have manes, which has puzzled biologists.

3. The hunt

Lionesses are the main pride hunters. They often collaborate to hunt antelopes, zebras, wildebeest and other big game in the grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lionesses, so teamwork pays off.

After the hunt, such teamwork often leads to arguments over who eats the prey. Young lions do not help them hunt until they are one year old. Lions can hunt on their own if the opportunity presents itself, and they sometimes steal prey from hyenas and wild dogs. Lions are attracted to the rampage of hyenas devouring their prey.

In addition, African lions prefer to hunt on dark nights, when the Moon is below the horizon line.

4. Your territory

The territory of the Lions can include an area of ​​250 square kilometers which includes meadows, scrublands and open forests.. Males defend the herd’s territory and mark it with urine or threatening roars to warn intruders. In addition, they hunt and hunt animals that invade their domain.

5. Conservation of lions

Lions have always been admired for their bravery and strength. In the past, they could be found all over Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. Currently, They only live in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of a small population of Asiatic lions that survive in the Gir Forest in India.

Unfortunately, the number of lion specimens in the wild has declined dramatically. A century ago, around 200,000 lions populated the African continent. However, at present there are only about 20,000.

With information from National Geographic

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