Fact File: Lions
Find out some fun facts about lions with Aneeshwar and Lizze.
What do lions eat?
Lions are known as "hypercarnivores", meaning that almost all of their diet consists of meat. They can eat up to 40kg in one meal! Meaning that it takes a long time for them to digest their food. As a result, lions sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
What is the difference between male and female lions?
The main difference between male and female lions is that the males have a mane on their head and necks. The bigger the mane, the better! Also, females are the main hunters of a lion's pride.
What is the purpose of a lion's mane?
The mane may protect the male lion's neck from their rivals' teeth and claws. If a lion has a darker mane, it usually indicates a better quality diet and more testosterone, which could be considered as more attractive to their mates.
Why do lions roar?
Lions roar to defend their territory. Lions can hear other roars that are several kilometres away!
Where do lions live?
The range of countries in which lions can be found has decreased dramatically. Lions used to be spread across Africa, Europe and south west Asia into India but this has changed due to climate change, human settlements and roads, agriculture and poaching.
Do they live with other lions?
Lions are the most social of the big cat species - they live in prides with normally around 5-20 others, and they all hunt together.
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