Lions, these majestic creatures that arouse both admiration and fascination, hide many mysteries behind their imposing appearance. You thought you knew everything about the kings of the savannah? Think again ! Here’s a new perspective with the 10 most surprising facts about lions that will pique your curiosity:
1. Lions don’t live in the jungle
Despite their nickname “King of the Jungle”, lions tend to prefer grasslands, savannahs and open forests as their natural habitat. The incorrect expression is probably due to poor translation or ignorance of their natural environment.
2. Their roar can be heard 8 kilometers away
A lion’s roar is not only impressive, it is also incredibly powerful. It can reach up to 114 decibels and be heard at a distance of 8 kilometers. Lions use their roar to communicate, mark their territory and signal their presence to other groups.
3. Lions are lazy
Among big cats, lions are arguably the laziest. They can sleep and rest for around 20 hours a day, saving their energy for their hunting activities during the cooler hours of the night.
4. Lions are incredibly fast
Despite their leisurely lifestyle, lions can be incredibly fast when hunting. They can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour when sprinting, which helps them capture their prey.
5. The mane is not just for decoration
A male lion’s mane indicates his health, age and testosterone production. Darker, fuller manes indicate a healthier lion, which makes him more attractive to females and can intimidate rivals.
6. Lionesses do most of the hunting
Within lion groups, lionesses are the main hunters. They work together in a highly organized manner to surround and take down their prey, which can include large animals such as zebras, wildebeest and even giraffes.
7. Lions are social felines
Unlike their solitary feline cousins, lions are incredibly social animals. They live in groups called “prides”, which can have up to 30 members. These groups are matriarchal, led by females who are responsible for hunting and caring for the group’s young.
8. Unique fingerprint
Each lion has a unique pattern of vibrissae spots, just like a human fingerprint. Researchers often use these patterns to identify individual lions in the wild.
9. Lion cubs are born spotted
Lion cubs are born with dark spots on their coat, which help them camouflage in the wild. These spots fade with age, although some lions retain light spots into adulthood.
10. Lions are an endangered species
Tragically, lions are classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their populations have declined by about 43% over the past two decades, mainly due to habitat loss, human-wilderness conflicts, and poaching.
Lions, these symbols of courage and power, hide many secrets that make them even more fascinating. It is essential to raise awareness and protect these magnificent animals to ensure their survival in the wild.