The lion is a beautiful animal. Leo - description, species, where it lives, what it eats, photo

A lion ( panthera leo) - an animal of the class mammals, such as chordates, carnivores, the cat family, the panther genus, the subfamily of Big cats.

Aboriginal people living side by side with a lion called the predatory lion "wild cat". Own modern name, consonant in many languages, the lion received in the 18th century from the Latin word leo.

Description of the lion, appearance, characteristics, photos of the animal

Of the currently existing wild cats the lion is inferior in size only. An adult male lion weighs an average of up to 250 kg with a body length of 2.5 m. The flexible, mobile body of a lion has well-developed muscles of the neck and front paws. The claws of a lion reach 7 cm in length.

The massive head of a lion with an elongated muzzle is endowed with strong jaws. The lion has 30 teeth, fangs up to 8 cm in size allow him to successfully hunt large animals: roe deer, wild boars, and.

The tongue, covered with tubercles, helps to quickly get rid of blood-sucking insects and care for the coat.

On the muzzle of a lion there are several rows of whiskers with dark spots at the base, forming a pattern unique to each individual. Newborn lion cubs are spotted, like, but at the age of maturity, the spots disappear. The color of the lion's coat can be sandy, brown or with a red tint. The tail ends in a spectacular black tassel.

Some individuals inside the brush have a “spur” - a fused vertebral ending.

A peculiar difference between lions is the exceptional sexual dimorphism. Male lions are much larger in size than females and are endowed with a luxurious mane that appears already in six-month-old lion cubs. By the age of three, the pile on the lion's mane grows to 35-40 cm. Color, length and splendor depend on genetics, habitat and the amount of testosterone. Old seasoned lions have the thickest and shaggy mane.

It will seem surprising, but lions are animals that have the smallest heart among large predators. That is why they do not differ in special endurance, although when running short distances, lions reach speeds of up to 80 km / h. AT natural conditions lions live 12-15 years, in captivity life expectancy increases by 5-7 years.

Types and classification of lions

The classification of lions has 8 subspecies:

• Asiatic(Persian, Indian) lion (Panthera leo persica)

distinguished by a squat body and a sleek, not too thick mane. The weight of a lion is 150-220 kg, in males from 160 to 190 kg, in females from 90 kg to 120 kg. The height of the Asian lion at the withers reaches 1.05 meters. The record length of a lion reached 2.92 meters. A little more than 500 representatives of this species of lions live in the Indian Girsky reserve. The largest Asian lion has been recorded to be 2.92 meters long;

Asian (Persian, Indian) lion

• Barbary Lion (Panthera leo leo)

the most massive predator with a dark thick mane. The African continent was ubiquitous. Unfortunately, it was finally exterminated by man at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the descendants of the Barbary lion live in captivity, but there is no need to talk about the purebred of the species. The weight of a male lion reaches 160-270 kg, the weight of a female is 100-170 kg. It was the most large predator of all kinds of lions;

• Senegalese (West African) lion (Panthera leo senegalensis)

Males are distinguished by a light, short mane (or lack thereof), light coat and small size. The prides of this predator are smaller, and the shape of the skull is different from other types of lions. The habitat is south of the Sahara from Senegal in the west and east to the Central African Republic. About a thousand representatives live in the savannas of Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal. This lion species is endangered;

Senegalese lion

• North Congo lion ( Panthera leo azandica)

on outward signs similar to other African relatives. It lives in the savannahs of the northeast of the Congo. The population of this species of lions is gradually decreasing;

• East African(Masai) lion (Panthera leo nubica)

subspecies African lion. Males are distinguished by elongated limbs and a “combed” back mane. Male lions reach a length of 2.5 - 3 meters, including the tail. The length of lionesses with a tail is 2.3 - 2.6 meters. The weight of a male lion is 150 - 230 kg, female 100 - 165 kg. Lions and lionesses have a withers height of 90 - 115 cm. The habitat of this species of lions is Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique and other states of eastern Africa, they also inhabit the Kenyan Masai Mara reserve;

• southwest african(Katangese) lion (Panthera leo bleyenberghi)

has a light color. It lives in southwestern Africa from Angola to Zimbabwe. The length of the male lion, together with the tail, is 2.5 - 3.1 meters, the length of the lioness is 2.3 - 2.65 meters. The mass of a male lion is 140-240 kg, the weight of females is 105-170 kg. An endangered species of lions, is on the verge of extinction;

• southeast african(Transvaal) lion (Panthera leo krugeri)

large individuals, males are owners of a long dark mane. In some representatives, leucism is observed - a mutation associated with the absence of melanocytes. Such exotics have white wool and pink skin. The body length of the Transvaal lion with a tail is 2.6 - 3.2 meters, the dimensions of the lioness are more modest 2.35 - 2.75 meters. The weight of the male reaches 150-250 kg, the female - 110-180 kg. Over 2,000 lions live in national park Kruger, as well as in the southern part of the African mainland and in the Kalahari Desert;

• cape lion ( Panthera leo melanochaita)

A subspecies that disappeared in the 19th century. The last Cape lion was shot in 1858. These lions lived in the Cape Province at the Cape of Good Hope, which is located in southern Africa. This species of lions was distinguished by the black tips of the ears, and the mane of the lion covered the belly and shoulders of the mammal.

Extinct Cape Lion

Together with the tiger, leopard and jaguar, the lion forms the genus Panthera, whose representatives can interbreed, forming viable hybrids: ligers (tiger lions), leopons (leopard + lion) and jagullvas (jaguar + lion).

White Lion

White lions are not a subspecies, but a genetic disease called leucism, when the coat turns white. White individuals live in the Kruger National Park and in the Timbavati Reserve, which are located in the east of South Africa. Most of these animals are kept in captivity.

White Lion

Do black lions exist in nature?

Black lions do not exist, in captivity such a species could survive, but in wild nature it's impossible. In Okovango, a pride of dark brown lions was seen, which scientists called the result of inbreeding. In general, there is no evidence for the existence of a black lion.

Black Lion

Where and how do lions live?

Lions live on 2 continents: Africa and Asia. The distribution area of ​​​​lions in Africa is located in the southern part of the Sahara desert. In Asia, the wild lion lives in India, in the Gir forest. Indian state Gujarat.

In fact, during the early Middle Ages, the habitat of lions was much wider: animals lived throughout Africa and India, the Middle East, Iran, and even southern Europe and Russia. But habitat destruction by predators and human persecution has reduced the lion's habitat.

In nature, lions live in savannas, sometimes in forests or bushes. Predators do not live big flocks- prides consisting of 5-6 related females, their cubs and 1-2 mature males (2 males can be in a pride only if they are brothers). Young lions expelled from the pride will face a life of loneliness, the opportunity to join another pride or create their own.

The lion is a large member of the cat family. It mainly lives in Africa, not a small population has survived in India in the Gir Forest (Gujarat). Previously, lions were distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Africa right up to India, but due to the destruction of both the animals themselves and their habitats by humans, the range of lions has noticeably decreased. By the way, the fossil remains of lions are also found in southern Europe.

The lion is the only representative of cats whose life takes place in a pack. Lion packs are called prides.

Lions have pronounced sexual dimorphism, that is, anatomical differences between males and females (excluding differences in the anatomy of the genital organs). This also distinguishes the lion as an exclusive representative of the cat family.

Lions are not very fast and therefore they use various tricks and tricks for hunting. For the same reason, lions hunt mainly at night. Lionesses surround a herd of any herbivores and choose the weakest one.

In the history of mankind, the lion is a symbol of courage and courage. Lions are often found on the coats of arms of noble families.

The lion pride consists mainly of females and cubs. There are no more than three males in a pride.

The duties of lions and lionesses in a pride are different. The lionesses are responsible for getting food and looking after the cubs. Lions defend territory.

Only at first glance it can be assumed that the lions have no competitors. The most cunning and cruel competitors of lions in Africa are hyenas.

In a one-on-one duel, the lion will come out victorious, but a pack of hyenas can dress a lone lion.

Lions eat their prey according to certain rules. The leaders of the pride are the first to eat the tastiest parts of the carcass, even if they did not participate in the hunt.

The carcass is eaten in a certain order. First they eat the heart, then the liver and kidneys. Only after eating these organs, lions begin to eat meat with skin.

If the leader is very hungry, then he eats all the prey whole. The rest of the lions go hunting again.

The lions go last. Thus, the weakest members of the pride remain the hungriest.

When the time comes to breed, the lion begins to care for the lioness, showing her various signs of attention. After mating, the lion and lioness live together until the third month of pregnancy.

Then the pregnant lioness leaves the pride and looks for a secluded place for childbirth. Lion cubs are born small and cannot walk for the first 10 days or so. The eyes of lion cubs open on the 15th day of life.

Lions are the legendary predators of the cat family. Only the tiger surpasses it in size. Habitat lion habitats - the African continent, south of the famous Sahara desert.

A photo of a lion in the savannah is traditionally the "calling card" of Africa. However, due to constant destruction local residents, their population is preserved only thanks to protected areas.

In total, there are about 50,000 lions left. About 2000 more predators live in cages (in a zoo or circus). Such a number of lions is an occasion to think about their safety as a species on the planet.

Lion and lioness: similarities and differences

A characteristic feature of lions is their mane. This is the brightest hallmark male from female, but also a hallmark of all lions.

No other cat species has such a pronounced difference between male and female. The manes of lions are about 40 centimeters long and are located on the head, chest and neck.

Another sign of lions is a brush on the tail. The length of the hair on it reaches 5 centimeters, and inside there is a bone.

Males and females have the same yellow-gray color and short hair on the belly and back. The color of the mane and skin of predators is the same.

Females, not having such a chic mane, are easier to tolerate the hot weather of Africa, besides, their short hair all over their body allows them to pass through any thickets.

Perhaps this was the reason for the role of the lioness in the pride as the main food provider, and the lion was given the role of guarding the territory of the pack.

These cats are quite impressive in size. So males reach a length of about 2.5 meters and weigh about 180 kilograms.

Females are much smaller in comparison with them: 1.8 meters long and 125 kilograms of weight.

In height, lions grow up to 120, and lionesses up to 90 centimeters. The tail of animals is from 70 to 100 centimeters long.

Their largest representative, recorded by people, weighed 370 kilograms and was 3.6 meters long.

Life cycle

Lions are the most social predators of cats. They live in large flocks called prides. Lionesses in the pride strive to become mothers at the same time. This makes it easier for them to feed and take care of the kittens.

Pregnancy lasts 110 days, and the predators go to give birth in caves or thickets of bushes, the main condition is outside the flock.

After lambing, the females bring an average of 4 lion cubs weighing 2 kilograms each. Up to 10 days they are blind and helpless, and they begin to walk only after 20 days.

For the sake of hunting, lionesses have to leave the babies alone, and so that enemies do not find them by smell, predators often change their bed.

Such a rhythm of life for lionesses with offspring lasts 1.5-2 months, after which they return to the pride. There, babies are still fed with milk until they are six months old.

Moreover, the attitude of predators to cubs is different: when the father of the family dies, another lion can calmly destroy male children, but at the same time, the female lioness will protect the female children to the last.

Such an attitude towards males lasts up to 2-3 years, the so-called "age of majority" for a lion, after which they are expelled from the pride. Females always stay with their mothers, there are no other lionesses in the flock.

The lions after the expulsion have 2 ways: either create their own pride, or join an existing one. Those males that did not follow any of them live alone.

This approach leads to a high mortality rate among lions. Only 20% of lion cubs live up to 2 years - the most persistent and lucky ones.

4 years after birth, females give birth for the first time, and the cycle repeats again. The average life span of a lion is 15 years (up to 22 years in an aviary), of which from 4 to 10, the predator is at the peak of his strength and youth.

Prey and Enemies

African lions live in the savannah. This territory forms for animals their prey and natural enemies. So hoofed animals are what lions eat. Hunting for them is carried out by females at dusk (in the morning or in the evening), much less often during the day.

Males protect the territory from other lions. Collisions with them are the usual life of these predators. Often during the fighting one of the lions dies.

After hunting, prey, except for small animals that are eaten on the spot, are carried to the flock. All food is shared equally, regardless of the health and possible injuries of other members of the group.

Until the harvested carcass is completely eaten, new hunt will not start, even if the potential victim is nearby.

The enemies for lions are hyenas, cheetahs, leopards. That is competitors. Those whose diet matches that of the pride. A flock may well take prey from hyenas, but if there are many of them, everything will be the other way around.

In the case of cheetahs and leopards, lions often become the main ones. This happens simply due to the cohesion of predators, because, unlike them, other cats are loners.

When lionesses find cubs of spotted cats, death awaits them - lions do not tolerate competitors.

The main opponents of predators are the Nile crocodiles, for which a lion in the water is prey, and a man.

However, in the case of the latter, it all depends on the territory: if the lion is in the reserve, it is protected.

Photo of a lion

This collection is dedicated to the little kings of all animals - lion cubs. Photos of lion cubs cannot but evoke emotion. These strong representatives of the animal world are still small, but already admired.

Although the cub is still a baby, it already has a small mane and a royal posture. It is immediately clear that we have a real person of royal blood.

It is noted that even small desert animals obey cubs, recognizing their power and strength. After all, these are the future rulers, born in order to rule. They are genetically designed to be the best.

Looking at the photo of the cubs, you can see their serious look, pointed ears and a cute sticking out, still quite short, tail. For some reason, it seems that in front of you is a frame from the famous Disney cartoon "The Lion King". Remember, this kind, smart and sweet baby, devotedly loving his parents.

It makes you want, looking at the photo of lion cubs, to touch a soft lump, hug and cuddle you. But only in childhood this predatory little animal seems so sweet and slightly defenseless, but having matured, the lion becomes not so good-natured. He turns into his Majesty the King, wise and just.

You can see the cubs at the zoo and take a photo for yourself, where cute fluffy predators frolic just like children and still don’t understand that they have the honor to carry such a high title of King, a proud and freedom-loving predator.

Shaggy paws, a fluffy mane, a ponytail with a tassel at the end - this is a miracle of nature, called a lion cub, a future lion. A cute creature just asks for hands, you want to feed him with milk and keep him in your strong arms for a long time. Smile at the baby, snuggle closer, because he will soon grow up, become powerful and strong, and only a photo of lion cubs merrily frolicking in the sun will remain in memory. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate every moment.