In this article we are gonna learn facts of lion, which is crowned as the king of the beasts or animals. Though lions live in the places like savannas, open woodlands, scrubs and grasslands they are known as the "king of the Jungle". Now let us take a look at various facts of this "Alpha Predator".
King of the Jungle - Lion, the Predator
Lion facts
1. The Majestic & ferocious lion is a symbol of strength, power and braveness, this warrior is regarded as the Top or Alpha Predator because it has no natural predators to hunt it down thus the king of the Jungle remains top in the food chain and is a good example for the survival of the fittest.
2. The scientific name of the Lion is Panthera leo (Asian) & Panthera leo melanochaita (African) and belongs to Felidae family, which is commonly known as cats and refers to carnivores.
3. The lion is the second largest cat in the world while Tiger ranks the first. Tigers dwell in the Jungle while the habitat of lion are grasslands, scrub, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia (only survives in and around Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat).
4. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lions are listed as vulnerable species as their existence is threatened by Habitat loss. Humans are the only predators of lions.
5. Lions usually live in groups with 15 to 30 animals; these groups are called as prides where female lions (lioness) do the hunting. The gestation period of female lion lasts for around 110 days.
6. Male lions are known for their majestic Mane that symbolizes the strength and health. It is associated with the testosterone production. Mane less lions also have been seen in Tsavo and Dinder National Parks. Lions have up to 30 teeth and their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometres.
7. Male lions can reach a shoulder height up to 10 feet and weigh around 150 – 250 kg while Female lions reach up to 6 feet in height, and weight around 150-180 kg.
8. Lions live an average life span of 12 to 16 years in the wild but can live up to 25 years in captivity.
9. Lions sleep or rest up to 20 hours a day.
10. The diet of lions includes zebras, small elephants, young rhino and hippo, antelopes, giraffes and even crocodiles. They are carnivores and prey upon other mammals and small animals such as monkey & hare.
11. Lions can run at a top speed of 80 kph but due to their short stamina they can run only for short time and distance.
12. Lions hunt at night to catch prey easily also their eyesight in dark is early 8 times better than humans. The claws of lion grow up to one & half inch in length and are retractable (can be pulled back between the paws).
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