Lion

The conservation status of the lion is currently "vulnerable" to endangerment. Although sights of lions in Southern African parks are still common, lions have suffered significant blows to their historical populations. They are extinct in 95% of their historic range, with as few as 20 000 individuals left in the wild, compared to the nearly 450 000 which roamed the Earth just 200 years ago. Habitat loss and conflict with humans have led to this massive decline in their numbers over the 20th century. In the early days of the colonial era in Africa, there was a thriving animal skin trade between colonies and Europe. Sadly, lions were some of the most sought-after skins in these European markets, mainly due to their portrayal in legends as the ultimate predator. Since the introduction of protective measures and conservation programs at the end of the 20th century, lion populations in Southern Africa have largely stabilized or even grown in size. However, the species remains a shadow of its former glory.

Lions are the ultimate predators in Africa and are well adapted to most habitats on the continent, with the exceptions being the rain forests of the Congo and the Sahara Desert. They usually occur in savannah grassland or dry semi-desert areas where scattered Acacia trees serve as shade from the African sun during the day. Their excellent night vision and thick grass cover are perfect for catching prey during the evening. Lions require a nearby water source and an adequate supply of game wherever you find them. Desert lions are found in Namibia and are the hardest work working of all lions. They are found in lower densities than their counterparts in the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. They spend considerable time looking for prey – especially during the dry season.

Lions are usually organized in groups known as prides. The size of such a pride varies, but generally, there are about five lionesses, their cubs, and one or two male lions – though only one is typically the alpha male. Prides of well over 30 members are documented. Lionesses are generally responsible for hunting and taking care of the cubs. All the lionesses will nurture and care for all the cubs, no matter which lioness' cub it is. On the other hand, males protect the pride from danger and are at the top of the pecking order in pride. They eat first and have the last say in disputes with another pride member. Each pride has its territory, marked out by male lions urinating and defecating along its borders for other prides to recognize. These territories are roughly 260 square kilometers or 100 square miles, though they may be smaller in higher rainfall areas.

Both male and female lions produce a loud sound that can be heard from up to 5 kilometers away, known as a roar – one of the most recognizable sounds in the animal kingdom. They are inactive most of the day, sleeping up to 20 hours as they wait for the cover of the night before pursuing a hunt. Males sleep and rest more than females because they do not hunt regularly or take care of offspring and are only called into action when the pride needs protection or when there is a territory dispute. However, they sometimes participate in hunting when the pride is after big prey or has gone without food. Lionesses regularly groom themselves and their cubs to get rid of ticks and other parasites. A pride is a highly organized unit that has evolved this way over millions of years. Juvenile males can also be seen in small groups if they do not have their own pride. These bachelor groups hunt together, feed together, and may challenge an alpha male for the leadership of his pride.

In a pride, all the lionesses will carry the offspring of the male lion in charge of their pride. Lions and leopards have almost identical mating rituals, where they mate roughly every 15 – 20 minutes for a few days – around 100 times a day. It ensures that the lioness has a good chance of falling pregnant and, after 110 days, gives birth to a litter of 1 – 3 cubs. If there are cubs of other males within a pride after a new male has taken over, those cubs are killed, and the male will sire his offspring. Males reach sexual maturity at approximately five years and females at four years – when they can start breeding.

Lions do not have any natural predators or enemies except for other lions. Males often fight when one pride violates the territory of another or when a male decides to challenge the leadership of a pride. Lions are very aggressive when their territory is violated, and fights may result in deaths. Other enemies may include crocodiles, especially when battling over food, but lions don't generally challenge crocodiles in the water. Humans are the leading cause of lion deaths, most notably through poaching and habitat destruction. Climate change has also taken its toll on those living in desert regions. With less and less rain every year, many die of starvation as prey availability diminishes.