In Central Africa, in the open expanses lives one of the largest animals of the cat family - the lion. He always enjoyed the respect and respect of man. His image can often be found on the arms and banners. In ancient Egypt, a lion was considered a sacred animal. In Greece, they saw him as a companion of goddesses. Of all the diversity of fauna of our planet, it was he who received the title "king of beasts."
Appearance
People have always endowed the lion with the best qualities. This is invincibility, nobility, loyalty and courage. However, it is known that the majestic cat in the animal kingdom is not at all the most dexterous, fast and smart among other large predators.
So why are lions called the “king of beasts”?
This animal always inspired fear. Its greatness is evidenced by many factors. First of all, this is the appearance of a predator.
Among feline representatives, he is the absolute champion in height at the shoulders. A luxurious mane of males in length can reach 40 cm. It begins to grow in lion cubs at six months of age, and over time it becomes more magnificent and thicker.
For each individual, it grows individually, depending on membership in a subspecies, living conditions, in particular, on temperature. However, the main factors of its development remains the level of the hormone testosterone.
Also, the lion has well-developed, powerful legs. During the hunt, a strong role is played by strong jaws, often the length of the fangs reaches 8 cm. The color of the “king of animals” varies from dark brown to yellowish. Usually the lower body is lighter in color than the upper, and the tip of the tail always has a “brush” of black color.
It is worth noting that the female has no mane. This is due to the fact that she often participates in hunting, during which luxurious hair can interfere, complicating the disguise.
For the title "king of beasts" the lions could compete with the tigers, but they lose the last in the weight category. The mass of an adult male lion can reach 150-250 kg, when as females only 120-180 kg. The height at the shoulders is 123 and 107 cm, respectively.
Pride
Answering the question: “Why is a lion the king of animals?”, It is necessary to pay attention to the organization of the family structure of the predator. The male is the real head of the family. Groups of animals (prides), as a rule, consist of 5-6 females, who are sisters, 1-2 males and growing offspring, until they reach puberty.
Some lions lead a solitary lifestyle. These are mainly young individuals who left the pride in search of their own. Thus, lions lack incest.
The leader of the group, as a rule, spends most of his time defending the territory of his pride and protecting his family. The king of animals is afraid and respected. The strict hierarchy is well felt. He always starts the meal first. If one of the family members tries to disobey, then there is a punishment, up to the expulsion from the pride.
More often, the "term of government" of a lion is small. On average, it is 2-3 years. Then comes a stronger and younger male and “overthrows” the leader.
Territory
Like the ruler of any state, a lion - the king of animals carefully monitors the borders of his possessions. He constantly goes around the territory and marks it. And the famous loud roar, which is heard for several kilometers, he also recalls his presence. For the territory on which his pride lives, he is ready to fight to the death.
The basis of this behavior is the need to protect females from other males. The area of possessions largely depends on the number of animals that become the prey of lions. If not enough, borders can extend up to 30 km in diameter.
There are also lions that constantly follow the migrating herds of animals.
The conquest of territory and pride from predators occurs by force. Fights for domination between males are usually very bloody. Often at the end both opponents die. Lionesses constantly drive away strangers who are trying to join the pride.
Young males often roam the borders of the territory. These are new applicants for pride leaders. If any of them succeeds, they will already say about him: "The lion is the king of beasts." But so far they lack the courage and strength to challenge the owner of the territory. However, by their presence, they remind him that his "reign" is not eternal.
Hunting
The definition of “lion - the king of beasts” is also confirmed by the methods of obtaining food. The fact is that the leader of the pride does not participate in the hunt. Lionesses set off in search of prey.
Females are more agile and agile. It’s easier for them to catch the victim. They hunt in groups. Having chosen a potential prey, they pursue it with a group.
However, they can run fast for long, only for short distances, so they usually go in search of the victim at night.
Large mammals become victims: zebras, wildebeests, wild boars, gazelles, deer. During the hunt for a buffalo or giraffe, the "king of the animals" himself may join the females. In this case, predators imperceptibly creep up to the herd at once from all sides. As soon as the distance becomes less than 30 meters, lions pounce on the nearest animal.
After that, a powerful attack begins. With a quick jump, they catch the victim and begin to choke her. Smaller animals die even from a paw.
The lion is always the first to start a meal, only when it is saturated, females with offspring are suitable for prey.
Why is a lion king of beasts? Breeding
Upon reaching the age of four, the female reaches puberty. Now she is ready for reproduction.
During ovulation, a lioness can mate immediately with several males up to 20-40 times a day.
Offspring can appear at any time of the year. However, females in the pride usually have cubs all at the same time. Thus, it is easier to protect and feed offspring.
Pregnancy lasts an average of 110 days. Before giving birth, the predator leaves its flock, finds a secluded place, and there gives birth to 3-4 kittens.
Lion cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing up to 2 kg. A week later, their eyes open, they begin to walk only a month later.
Several times during the month the female changes her place of stay. So she protects her children from other predators.
Two months later, she returns to her pride with the cubs. For 6-8 weeks, they eat only breast milk, after which they begin to try meat. At 6-7 months, lactation ceases.
The male refers to his offspring by mood. He can both play with them and drive away from himself.
The female is engaged in training the younger generation. Almost all the skills used during hunting are acquired, not innate instincts.
If the leader of the pack changes, the offspring may be in danger. A young lion is able to kill growing kittens so that the female is again ready for mating.
Life cycle
The fact that the lion is the king of animals also confirms his difficult path to "power."
Only 20% of all offspring survive to two years, most often they become victims of predators.
Under natural conditions, lions live up to 14 years old, in captivity - up to 20. Many individuals die during fights for territory and primacy in the pride. Reaches the "king of animals" of puberty by 3 years. By 4-5 years, they can claim the role of leader in the group.
If the number of prides becomes large, then not only males, but also females can be expelled from it. Also, when the championship is captured by a new leader, the same fate awaits all immature lionesses.
If they cannot join another group, then they will have a very harsh life, since it is almost impossible to raise offspring alone.
Other predators and the "king of beasts"
Lions, as a rule, dominate other, smaller, representatives of the cat family. Cheetahs and leopards try to avoid larger predators, and carefully hide their offspring from them. Most of the cubs die due to the attack of a lion.
Even the fact that smaller predators try not to compete during the extraction of food does not always save.
Hyenas are always next to the lions, but try to keep their distance. In the absence of aggression from scavengers, the graceful cat does not pay attention to them. However, attacks on hyenas are not uncommon.
The real danger to the lion is Nile crocodiles. During an attack on each other, both sides are seriously injured.
