This predator stands out from other cats. Unlike their closest relatives, the lions live in the pride and collaborate with each other. Such a family has its own structure and follows certain rules.
Lion pack structure
A pride is a group of lions in which there are several females and one or two males. Sometimes such a family consists only of females. Sometimes a full flock can count about 40 goals. But usually a lot less.
All live in the same territory, the size of which mainly depends on the number of goals in the family and the amount of food. On average, it occupies 50 square meters. km The Lion Pride is a structure in which each beast occupies its own position. Animals that live in the savannah, from generation to generation, adhere to a certain routine. Males protect the territory of the pride from hyenas, cheetahs and other predators. Females go hunting, providing the whole family. But some lion communities that live in other parts of the Earth may have a completely different structure. Each animal produces its own food, and they gather in packs only during the rutting season.
Kings of Pride
Each pack has its own leader. If the family has only females, then their head has died. A young lion may challenge the leader to take his position. At this moment, a fight occurs. Usually, the leaders last only three years, after which they are overthrown by stronger lions. In such families, females spend their whole lives, but the growing males leave the flock over time (after a couple of years). Two brothers can live together all their lives. "Friends" are looking for a new pride in which one of them is trying to take the place of leader.
Lion cubs
Pride is a place in which lion cubs can appear at any time of the year. For this, the couple moves away from the rest of the family members at a distance. Upon returning, the female carries the babies for approximately 100 days. For childbirth, the cat chooses a secluded place, often in shrubs. Usually 3-5 kittens are born. Until a certain time, the mother takes care of the offspring on her own, but at the same time she does not lose touch with the pride, echoing roar with him. After a month and a half, she introduces the lion cubs to their family. All members of the flock take care of the kids, and this is really important, because immature kittens have many enemies from which only the pride can protect. An eagle or predatory beast can steal and tear apart kids.
Family life
During the hot day hours, the family prefers to relax. After eating, all the inhabitants of the pack rest in one place. Pride is a convenient structure, from which all members benefit. Females are protected, males are fed. It is interesting that lions competently dominate their possessions. All animals that are on the territory of the pride belong only to him. But at the same time, lions will never kill an extra animal. They clearly know how much they need to feed themselves. They also control the birth rate of offspring. If there is enough food, lions can bring kittens more often, if there is hunger around, they will not start babies.
On the hunt
The Lion Pride knows how much food is needed to feed. For example, for a family of four cats per week, it is enough to catch one zebra. Toward evening, the lionesses begin the hunt. Surprisingly, zebras or other ungulates feel that the predators are about to "have dinner." After all, when the lions simply rest, the animals do not scatter from them, but graze calmly. The cat emits a strong growl to cause a prey in the prey. Frightened ungulates flee from danger, falling into the clutches of other members of the pride, which lurk in another part of the meadow. Usually, the hunt is led by an old predator, which stands apart, making barely audible sounds to its friends. But sometimes even such tricky tricks may not succeed, because ungulates are quick and quick.
