The lion (Panthera leo) is Africa's largest cat and the most social, living in prides of related females, cubs and a few dominant males. Males weigh up to about 200 kg and grow the famous mane. The lion's roar is synonymous with the Kruger, and it is the most sought-after of the Big Five.
Name
Lion [panthera leo]
Appearance
The Lion male stands 1.2m at the shoulder and weighs up to 200kg. The Females are slightly smaller than the males, only weighing 130kg. Their coat is mainly a tawny colour with a sandy tinge and white under parts. Young lions have rosettes and spots under their body, with females sometimes retaining these spots into adulthood. Male lions have a long dark mane around their heads that are usually a darker tawny colour, with some males having complete black manes.
Diet
Lion’s prey mostly consists mostly of Buffalo, Zebra, Gemsbok, Wildebeest and sometimes Giraffe. Smaller animals like impala, porcupines and steenbok are also caught when the opportunity arrives. Lionesses usually do a majority of the hunting, with the males only hunting to provide necessary muscle.
Behaviour
Lion Prides consist of anywhere from 2 to 12 lionesses and all their young, with a few dominant males. The lion’s roar is a spine shivering, yet beautiful sound that has become synonymous with the Kruger National Park. A Lion Male’s grunts and roars can be heard up to 5km away. Lions also use scents and facial expressions to communicate. When a lions wants to display their aggression, they display their very impressive canines, pull their ears back, twitching tails and low grunting. Lions are a welcome and common sighting when you are on a Kruger National Park Safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a lion weigh and how big is it?
A male lion stands around 1.2 m at the shoulder and can weigh up to about 200 kg, with a dark mane framing the head. Lionesses are smaller, at roughly 130 kg, and lack a mane. Young lions show faint rosettes and spots, which females sometimes keep into adulthood.
What do lions hunt, and who does the hunting?
Lions prey mainly on buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and gemsbok, and sometimes giraffe, taking smaller animals such as impala and warthog when the chance arises. The lionesses do most of the hunting, working together as a team, while the heavier males contribute muscle for tackling large or dangerous prey.
How far can a lion's roar be heard?
A lion's roar is one of the great sounds of the African bush and carries a long way across open country; Kurt Safari's guides note it may be heard up to around 5 km away. Lions roar to advertise their territory and to keep in contact with the pride.
Where in the Kruger are lions most often seen?
Lions are a common sighting on Kruger safaris, particularly in the central and southern regions where grazing herds, and therefore prey, are abundant. They are most active in the cool of early morning, late afternoon and night, and often rest in the shade or near waterholes during the heat of the day.
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