|
The local tribes people regard the African Lion as a symbol of power. For several of the local tribes in Kenya, killing a lion was traditionally a ritual expected of a boy before he became a man. African Lions are a now protected species and can be seen in national parks in Kenya, on tours to Kenya with Kenya Wild Safari.
Zoological name: Panthera leo
Range: The African Lion is found mainly in southeastern Africa. It prefers grassy plains, Savannah and semi-desert areas.
Estimated population: It is estimated that there are around 16-500 to 30,000 African lions in the wild.
Physical appearance: Lions are the second largest of the "Big Cats" after the Tiger. A fully- grown male lion can reach 9 feet long including its 3-foot long tail, with a dark tuft of fur at the end. Grown lions are about 4 feet tall and can weigh over 200 Kg. Lionesses are smaller in size, but equally ferocious. Lionesses are usually sandy or tawny in color. Male lions can range in color from orange-yellow to dark brown. Male Lions are easily recognized by their manes, which can sometimes be black in color.
Habitat: Lions live in open grasslands or forests, including scrub jungle. Lions have been known to climb trees occasionally but are usually seen on the ground or on rocky outcrops from where they can survey their territory.
Diet: Lions are carnivores and hunt for their prey. African lions usually eat antelope, wildebeest or zebra and have also been seen attacking the young ones of hippopotamus or elephants. Not all hunts are successful and a lion will usually only hunt when it is hungry. After making a kill and eating its fill, it often goes without eating for a day until it hunts again.
Behavior: Lions live in large groups or "prides" unlike other Big Cats, which are solitary. Prides often have around 15 members, including several lionesses, their cubs and some males. The lionesses do most of the hunting, while the males defend the pride's territory. Lions establish their territorial boundaries by roaring and scent marking. Lionesses usually stalk their prey, until they manage to approach nearby and then attack, killing their prey with a bite to the neck. Young male lions are usually expelled from the pride after they are around 3 years old. Young female lions may stay with the pride or join other prides. Many male lions remain solitary and do not join any pride.
| 
About Us
