In this case, lionesses also grow manes

The lion is a member of the Panthera genus, native to India and Africa. It is a social animal, living in prides, which is not common among felids. The lion has been a symbol of strength and power for centuries, perhaps no other animal has been depicted as frequently in literature and art.

In addition to being a beautiful animal, the behavior and lifestyle of a lion are filled with many astonishing facts.

1. There are two different type lions

Most people probably know that there are two subspecies of lions, the African lion (P. l. leo) and the Asiatic lion (P. l. persica). However, in 2017, phylogeographic studies yielded different results. Currently, one subspecies of lion is P. l. leo, which includes the Asiatic lion, the extinct Barbary lion, and lion populations living in the western and northern parts of Central Africa. The other subspecies is P. l. melanochaita, which includes the extinct Cape lion and lion populations in the eastern and southern regions of Africa.

2. Lions once lived in Europe

Lions once lived in regions of Southern Europe and Asia where climatic conditions could provide them with abundant prey. These animals were common in Greece, as reported by Herodotus in 480 BC. By 300 BC, they were considered rare, and by AD 100, they were completely extinct.

Speaking of extinction: unfortunately, lion populations are gradually declining in the wild. If we continue at this rate, we will eventually find ourselves facing extinction. The latest data suggests that there may be only 20,000 individuals left in Africa. This means that their population has decreased by about 43% since the 1990s. Since 1996, the lion has been listed as a vulnerable species on the Red List.

3. The white lion is not albino

White lions are very rare, and contrary to popular belief, these animals are not albino. The shade is due to a mutation called leucism, in which the animal has normal pigmentation in the eyes and skin. (In albinism, there is a lack of pigments in both the eyes and the skin.) This condition often makes the animal much tamer and more prone to bond with humans. This is explained by the “common synthetic pathway of adrenaline and dopamine from dopamine.”

These animals were removed from the wild in the 1970s, reducing the gene pool of white lions. Nevertheless, in the following years, more individuals were born with white fur. Removed individuals from the wild were used for captive breeding.

4. The cubs are like reverse Dalmatians

Dalmatian puppies are born white and develop their spots later on, but with lions, it’s the opposite. Lion cubs are born spotted, and as they grow into adults, they gradually lose their patterned coats. The tuft at the end of their tail is also absent at birth; it develops over time. However, the function of the unique tip of the tail, which hides about 5 mm of the fused end of the tailbone, is still a mystery to scientists.

5. The glory of the lion

The main adornment of male lions is the mane, which begins to grow during adolescence and reaches its full glory by about 4 years of age; the mane of Asiatic lions is slightly less dense than that of African lions. It has been observed among captive specimens that those living in colder climates grow thicker, heavier manes.

Presumably, the mane developed to signal their suitability for mating to females. Observations suggest that males with darker manes are more fertile (they have higher testosterone levels) and stay longer in the pride, but they also become more sensitive to high temperatures. If a lion is seriously injured or becomes ill, its mane may fall out.

Female lions have also been observed to grow manes, likely due to elevated testosterone levels in their case. Moreover, in several African national parks, there are groups of lions that do not grow manes.

6. They are like our pets

When watching documentaries about the inhabitants of the savannah or lions themselves, we often see footage of hunting or social interactions. However, they spend most of their day sleeping and resting, much like our domestic pets. To be specific, they dedicate up to 20 hours a day to snoozing.

7. The coalition of males

Among all wild felids, lions are the most social. This is likely due to the evolution of large populations and the abundance of resources within groups. They live in groups consisting of related individuals, including females, offspring, and a few males (up to four); these groups are called prides. The pride is led by the dominant male. A pride consists of about 15 individuals and is subdivided into subgroups. When males reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years old, they leave the pride or are ousted. They form their own group, known as a lion coalition. However, there are also nomadic lions that roam alone or in pairs. These pairs are often related males. Relationships between prides and nomads are usually hostile. Occasionally, a nomad may join a pride, or vice versa. Each member of the pride has a unique role.

Things work a bit differently for Asiatic lions. Males live solitarily or form coalitions of up to three, while females form prides of up to 12 individuals with their offspring. Males and females only associate during mating.

8. Expressive big cats

The vocal repertoire of lions is quite extensive. The intensity and pitch of their sounds play a central role in communication. Their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometers away. It’s unmistakable and often gradually transitions from deep roaring to gentle growling.

9. They don’t need to drink every day

A lion will drink if given the opportunity, but they can go up to 4 days without water. During this time, they obtain most of their fluids from their prey, which they need daily. An average female lion needs about 5 kg of meat per day, while an average male needs 7 kg.

10. Sophisticated hunters

Male lions are not particularly agile due to their massive body mass; they can’t sustain speed for long and don’t run as fast. Hence, hunting is primarily done by females working in teams (sometimes alone), with a success rate of about 30%. This success rate depends largely on the number of individuals involved; the more, the better their chances.

Lions hunt by ambush. They form a semicircle, with smaller individuals herding the prey towards the center. Their vision is about six times more sensitive to light than ours, which is advantageous for nocturnal hunting. Their retractable claws can be up to about 4 cm long. They can run at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour in short bursts and can leap up to 10 meters.