What you know about lions: 5 interesting facts about the habits of this fierce predator

The lion is a predatory mammal, one of the five representatives of the panther genus. Along with the tiger, it is the largest cat in the wild. Some male lions weigh up to 250 kg.

SSPDaily writes: "The lion represents strength and courage, and has been associated with power and valor for centuries. However, if you think that there are many lions in the world, you are very much mistaken. In Africa, they have survived only south of the Sahara, and in Asia, there is a small population in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Here are some interesting facts about lions that will give you a complete picture of these fierce but noble predators.

Why does a lion have such a big mane?

Although adult male lions have magnificent manes, they are not for beauty. Their appearance and size are meant to deter rivals. Also, during a fight or a hunt, a lion's mane protects its neck and head.

For your information, the manes of males darken with age and their color can determine the approximate age of the animal.

How much meat does a lion need?

Since lions are carnivores, they eat only meat, and their prey includes zebras, wild boars, and other land mammals.

Lions use their tongues, rough as sandpaper, to scrape the flesh off the bones.

Lions have a great appetite, and in one "meal," they eat up to 25% of their body weight, i.e. about 40 kg of meat.

Lions are strong but lazy

Among all big cats, the lion is the laziest. These animals sleep most of the day, so they have two to three hours to hunt. However, they consume so much food at a time that they can go many days without eating.

The roar of male lions can be heard at a distance of up to 8 kilometers

The roar of a lion can be heard up to eight kilometers from the source.

Although the lion is not as fast as the cheetah, which can run at 113 kilometers per hour, it is able to cover short distances at 80 kilometers per hour. Lions are also excellent climbers and can easily climb vertical tree trunks.

Lionesses give birth in secret

Interestingly, a lioness often gives birth to her cub alone, away from other members of the pride. Then she hides it for the next six weeks.

In a lion pride, females give birth at about the same time. As a result, the cubs can play and develop as a cohesive group with the support of the entire pack.