World Lion Day: Interesting facts about this fierce animal
The lion signifies strength and courage and has been associated with royalty and valor for centuries. However, in reality, there aren't as many lions in the world as you think. World Lion Day is observed on August 10 to raise awareness about the decreasing lion population and demand the conservation of their habitat. On this day, let us learn some fun facts about them.
Manes are a big deal
Although adult male lions have stunning manes, they serve more purposes than merely being attractive. The appearance of size serves to frighten off rivals and draw in possible mates. When fighting/hunting, a lion's mane also protects the neck and head. Besides, the mane of the male lion gets darker as it ages. So you can tell the age of lions by their manes' color.
Lions can eat about 40kg of meat at once
Since they are carnivores, lions only ever consume meat. They take down zebras, and wild bores, among other terrestrial mammals. The extremely rough tongue of a lion is used to scrape flesh from bones. Lions have enormous appetites and can consume up to 25% of their body weight in a single meal. That is roughly about 40 kgs of meat.
Lions are powerful but lazy
Among all the big cats, lions are the laziest. They sleep and rest for 21 to 22 hours a day, and therefore have only two to three hours for hunting. These large cats consume so much food at once that they can go on many days without eating. Additionally, the majority of the hunting in a pride of lions is handled by the females.
Male lion's roars are audible up to 8km away
The roar of a lion can be heard as far away as eight kilometers from the source. While not quite as rapid as the cheetah which can run at a speed of 113 kph, a lion can achieve cover short distances at a speed of 80 kph. Lions can also climb extremely well and are capable of climbing vertical trunks of trees with ease.
Lionesses give birth secretly
Interestingly, the lioness often gives birth to her cub alone, far from the rest of the pride. She will then hide the young from everyone else for the following six weeks. In a pride of lions, the females give birth roughly at the same time. As a result, the cubs can play and develop as a group with the support of the entire pride.
