In Central Africa, in the open spaces of the home to one of the largest felines - lion.He has always enjoyed the esteem and respect of human rights.His image is often to be found on the arms and banners.In ancient Egypt, the lion was considered a sacred animal.In Greece, it saw satellite goddesses.Because of the diversity of the fauna of our planet is he received the title of "king of beasts".
Appearance
People always endowed with the best qualities of the lion.It invincibility, generosity, loyalty and courage.However, it is known that the majestic cat in the animal world is not a very clever, quick and intelligent among the other large predators.
So why lions are called "king of beasts"?
This animal is always troubling.His majesty said a number of factors.In the first place - is the appearance of a predator.
Among the representatives of the cat it is an absolute record for the height of the shoulders.Luxurious mane of males can reach a length of 40 cm., It begins to grow at the cubs to six months old, and eventually becomes lush and thick.
Each specimen it grows individually depending on belonging to subspecies, environmental conditions, particularly the temperature.However, the main factors of its development is the level of the hormone testosterone.
lion also has a well-developed, powerful legs.During the hunt, the huge role played by powerful jaws, often the length of tusks up to 8 cm. Color "king of beasts" varies from dark brown to yellowish.Typically, the lower part of the body lighter shades than the top, and the tip of the tail always has "tassel" black.
is worth noting that the female the mane is missing.This is due to the fact that it is increasingly involved in the hunt, in which a luxurious head of hair may interfere complicating disguise.
for the title of "king of beasts" lions could compete with the Tigers, but they lose the last weight category.Weight of adult male lion may reach 150-250 kg, while the females are just 120-180 kg.The height of the shoulder in the area of 123 and 107 cm respectively.
Pride
Answering the question: "Why did the lion - the king of beasts?", You must pay attention to the organization of family life predator.The male is the real head of the family.Groups of animals (prides), usually consist of 5-6 females who are sisters, 1-2 males and younger offspring until they reach puberty.
Some lions are solitary.This is mainly young individuals who have left in search of his own pride.Thus, there is no incest lions.
The leader of the group, as a rule, most of the time, defending the territory of its pride and protecting his family.King of beasts feared and respected.Good sense of a strict hierarchy.By meal, he always starts first.If someone in the family will try to disobey, then the punishment, up to expulsion from the Pride.Most
"term of office" small lion.On average it takes 2-3 years.After that comes a strong and young male and "overthrow" the leader.
Territory
Like the governor of any state, the lion - the king of beasts carefully monitors the borders of their possessions.He constantly passes and marks its territory.A famous loud roar that can be heard for several kilometers, he also recalls his presence.For the territory in which the lives of his pride, he is ready to fight to the death.
basis of such behavior is the need for protection of females from other males.The area of holdings depends largely on the number of animals that fall prey to lions.If there are not enough, the boundary may extend up to 30 km in diameter.
There are also lions, who constantly follow the migrating herds of animals.
conquest of territory and pride comes from the power of predators.The battle for supremacy between the males are usually very bloody.Often at the end of the two killed the enemy.Lioness continuously distilled stranger females who try to join the Pride.
on the borders of the young males often wander.This new contenders in Pridelord.If one of them succeed, it has to say, "The Lion - the king of beasts."But they still lack the courage and the strength to challenge the owner of the territory.However, their presence, they remind us that his "reign" is not forever.
Hunting
definition of "lion - the king of beasts" is also confirmed by the methods of food production.The fact that the leader of the pride in the hunt is not involved.In search of prey sent lioness.
Females are more agile and mobile.It is easier to catch prey.They hunt in groups.Choosing potential prey, pursue her group.
However, they can run fast for long, only a short distance, so the search for victims basically go at night.
victims are large mammals: zebras, wildebeest, wild boars, gazelles, deer.While hunting buffalo or a giraffe to females can join himself "king of the beasts."Thus predators sneaking up to the flock at once on all sides.As soon as the distance becomes less than 30 meters, lions pounce on the nearest animal.
Then begins a powerful attack.A quick jump they catch the victim and begin to strangle her.Smaller animals die of a stroke, even paws.
Meals are always the first to start a lion, only when it is filled, the extraction of suitable females with offspring.
Why a lion - the king of beasts?Reproduction
Upon reaching the age of four females reach puberty.Now she is ready to breed.
During ovulation lioness may mate with several males up to 20-40 times a day.
Progeny may appear at any time of the year.However, females tend to have pride in young all at one time.Thus it is easier to protect and feed the offspring.
Pregnancy lasts an average of 110 days.Before birth predator leaves his flock, he is a lonely place, and there gives birth to 3-4 kittens.
Lion cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing up to 2 kg.A week later, they opened their eyes they start to walk just a month later.
Several times during the month of the female changing their place of residence.So it protects your children from other predators.
Two months later, she returns to her pride with cubs.6-8 weeks they are fed only breast milk after the start to try the meat.At 6-7 months of lactation stops.
Male relates to their offspring mood.He can either play with them, and to drive away.
Teaching the younger generation involved in the female.Almost all of the skills used during the hunt are acquired rather than innate instincts.
If you change the alpha male offspring might be in danger.Young lion can kill the younger kittens to the female was again ready to mate.
Lifecycle
The fact that the lion - the king of beasts, confirms its difficult path to the "authorities".
survive up to two years, only 20% of the offspring, they often become victims of predators.
In vivo lions live up to 14 years in captivity - to 20. Many individuals killed during the fights for territory and supremacy in the pride.Achieves "king of beasts" puberty to 3 years.For 4-5 years they can claim to be the leader in the group.If the number
Pride becomes large, then it can be expelled not only males but also females.Also, the capture of a new leader of the championship, the same fate awaits all immature lionesses.
If they can not join another group, they will be a very harsh life as raise offspring alone is almost impossible.
other predators and the "king of beasts»
Lions tend to dominate the other, smaller, representatives of the cat family.Cheetahs and leopards are trying to avoid larger predators, and carefully hidden from them, their offspring.Most of the pups die because of the attacks of the lion.
Even that smaller predators try not to compete during the production of food, do not always save.
Hyenas are always there with the lions, but try to keep your distance.In the absence of aggression by scavengers graceful cat does not pay attention to them.However, the attack on the hyenas are not uncommon.
real danger for the lion are Nile crocodiles.During an attack on each other, both sides are seriously injured.
disappearance of species
Nowadays, mainly to see the lion in the zoo only.However, in the Middle Ages graceful predators, besides Africa, lived in Iran, Europe and the Middle East.Also, they can be found in some areas of Russia.
now know a lot of extinct subspecies of felines, some of them have disappeared because of the person, even less than 100 years ago.
lion populations are reduced every year, just in the last two decades, these predators was 40% less.
The main reasons are the reduction in the number of climate change, which leads to the loss of key habitat, disease, and human intervention.
Keep in zoos large graceful predator become since the 18th century.The main purpose - to keep the lions as a species, as well as to show exotic animals to people.
you carefully monitor the breeding predator.At the same time trying to preserve the purity of the subspecies.Pets are living longer, reach a large size and weight.
