Lions (Panthera leo), the symbol of majesty and might, are the second largest living cat species, after the tiger. Their ferocious roar, supernatural strength, and attractive manes make them one of the most revered animals in the kingdom. These majestic creatures have even been named the national animal of more than one country, including Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Netherlands, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
A lion's roar can be heard from five miles away, and lions can run at speeds of up to 81 kph. However, due to a lack of stamina they can only do this in short bursts. Lionesses do most of the hunting. Yet the lions feed first, followed by the lionesses, and lastly the cubs. Unlike most other cats, lions are also excellent swimmers.
These days, lions are extremely popular in animated movies and loved by children everywhere. Sadly, though the popularity of "reel" lions is rising, the population of "real" lions is falling. A few centuries ago, lions were the second most widespread land mammals after humans, roaming across many parts of the world. Today, their numbers and habitat range have reduced enormously. Read on to find out what kind of habitat the lion prefers, and why so much of it is disappearing.
Lions Live on Grassy Plains
Although the lion is popularly known as the "King of the Jungle," it does not actually live in the jungle! Lions are not found in tropical rainforests or deserts. Instead, they live on grassy plains, dry thorn forests, savannas, open woodlands, scrubs, prairies, and semi-arid plains of sub-Saharan Africa. Lions prefer to live near rivers or their tributaries because of the constant water supply. Water also attracts their prey, which increases prey density in the area.
How Did the Title "King of the Jungle" Come About?
One likely reason lions are absent from jungles is the presence of other big cats like tigers and leopards. Competition for prey and territory would be fierce. Whatever the reason, lions occupy open lands rather than jungles. The inappropriate title may also have come from the long association of Africa with the idea of "jungle." And because of the lion's ferocious and majestic nature, it was crowned king of all animals, and since lions are found in large numbers in Africa, the name "King of the Jungle" stuck.
Habitat Is Divided Into Territories
Habitat is not only a place where animals live and hunt, it is also a place to gather and claim territory. Lions are social cats and live in prides of 15-40 lions. Each pride has 1-4 dominant male lions, plus several lionesses and cubs. Each pride also has its own territory, which can range anywhere from 20 to 500 square miles of the savanna grasslands.
Lions mark their territories by urinating on selected spots. Because prides cover around 5 miles per day, they prefer large open lands where they can hunt and roam freely. The males are extremely protective of their territory and will fight off any rival that threatens the pride. A lion's habitat, then, is a place that satisfies its physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Lionesses Seek Dens During Childbirth
Since childhood, many of us have been taught that lions live in dens. In reality, lions do not live in dens. They rest and sleep under shady trees, particularly the acacia trees of Africa. It is only when a lioness is about to give birth to her cubs that she seeks shelter in a den or lair, moving away from the rest of the pride to protect her young.
To avoid cub predators (like jackals, hyenas, and leopards) the lioness keeps moving her cubs from one den to another. As soon as the cubs reach 6 weeks of age, the lioness and her cubs rejoin the rest of the pride. If no den is available, the lioness may give birth in a thicket, a cave, or another sheltered environment.
Take the Lion Habitat Quiz!
5 quick questions. How much do you know about where lions really live?
Excellent Camouflage
Lions have tawny brown coats that blend well with the tall savanna grass, keeping them hidden while hunting. The large mane of the male lion makes him look scarier and helps intimidate rivals. Their fur keeps them warm at night, and their squinted eyes help them see even in the glare of the midday sun. Their sharp teeth, claws, speed, accuracy, and keen sense of hearing (they can hear prey from a mile away) all work together to make them deadly hunters.
Although African and Asian lions look very similar, their bodies have adapted slightly to their different surroundings. African lions have gold-colored coats and dark brownish-black manes, which help them blend into the African landscape. Asian lions, on the other hand, have gold-colored fur and a lighter mane (closer to the color of the dry soil in the Gir forest) which helps with their camouflage there.
Found Only in Parts of Africa and India
Centuries ago, lions roamed across North and South America, southern Europe, Asia, India, the Middle East, and the entire African continent. Today, you can find lions in the wild only in Africa (mainly southern Africa). There are approximately 20 to 30,000 lions (listed as Vulnerable) living in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Botswana. And just 523 Asiatic lions (listed as Endangered) remain in the Gir National Park of Gujarat, India.
Sadly, most lions today are found in wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and managed hunting areas. A large number live in the reserves of Africa, including parks in northern Tanzania and Kruger National Park in South Africa. In the open areas of these parks, lions are surprisingly tolerant of safari vehicles and tourists. The loss of lion habitat (the loss of territorial land) is the single greatest threat to lion populations worldwide.
Poaching, overgrazing, and diseases like distemper (carried by domestic dogs) and tuberculosis (from Cape Buffalo) have forced the lion population to plummet by about 48.5% over the last 30 years.
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Lion Numbers Plummeting in Western Africa
According to a study by Dr. Philipp Henschel (Panthera's Lion Program Survey Coordinator) and a team of researchers from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, lions have lost 75% of their original habitat in Africa. The study also revealed that fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa. Dr. Henschel noted that the Western region has been hit especially hard due to a lack of government support.
The fact that only around 30,000 African lions and another 500-plus lions in the Gir National Park exist today shows just how destructive human expansion, population growth, and commercial activity can be. If we want to keep these majestic animals alive, we need to educate people about this crisis. Live and let live!
Fun fact for today!The lion is the second largest cat species in the world, only the tiger is bigger!