Lion Notes 2

Young Male Lion with Leaf in Mane

Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Canon Rebel XSi 12.2MP); Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM; Focal Length: 400mm; Shutter speed: 1/1000; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 800.

This immature male was part of a larger group of young lions, including both males and females, that we found near Engelhard Dam while staying at Letaba Camp in the Kruger National Park.

There were no mature adults in the group but from the age of the lions (probably around 2 – 2½ yrs) it’s probable they were still members of a larger pride.

Young males are usually evicted from the pride by the dominant male (or males) at around 2½ – 3 yrs old. Females on the other hand tend to stay with the pride on maturing, although they may occasionally disperse with their evicted brothers.

The social life of lions is complex and there are no hard and fast rules. Prides may fragment, depending on numbers and size of territory, and then continue to live in adjacent or overlapping ranges.

Young males, after eviction from the pride, will become nomads, with brothers often staying together, forming coalitions. This enhances their chance of survival during this dangerous period when they have to cross territories occupied by larger and stronger resident males.

When the youngsters are old enough, they will attempt to take over a pride by challenging the resident male(s), at which stage a coalition offers a distinct advantage. See Lion Facts for more about the social structure of these big cats.

Lion Male Blends with the Bush

Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi); Lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom; Focal Length: 300mm; Aperture: F/6.3; Shutter Speed: 1/1600; ISO: 400

We spotted this big male lion on the side of the road, soon after we’d left our camp on the banks of the Great Ruaha River in Tanzania’s spectacular Ruaha National Park on a morning game drive.

Not long after this, two of our travel companions, who left shortly after us, saw the big fellow wandering close to our tents. Fortunately no one was sleeping-in, but it was a timely reminder of how vulnerable one is when camping in the African bush. See our article, Lion Visits our Camp in Ruaha for more.

Lioness Lying Upside Down

Camera: Canon EOS 50D; Lens: Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L; Focal length: 400mm; Shutter speed: 1/640; Aperture: f/8; ISO 800

We were watching two lionesses, more than likely sisters, affectionately nuzzling and licking each other (below), when the one rolled on her back briefly, all the while keeping her gaze on us. I find the image quite intriguing because of the direct eye contact from an unexpected angle.

Lions are regarded as the only truly sociable cats, with social licking and head rubbing being common among members of a lion pride. It is assumed this behavior plays a part in reinforcing social bonds, as does the greeting ceremony performed by lions.

According to Richard Despart Estes (The Behavior Guide to African Mammals), “pride members have to go through the greeting ceremony whenever they meet, as a proof of membership in the pride and of peaceful intentions”.

The Lion’s Tongue

Camera: Canon EOS 50D; Lens: Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM; Focal Length: 400mm; Shutter speed: 1/200; Aperture: f/5.6; ISO: 400.

Lions are members of the cat family (Felidae) and, like domestic cats, the surface of the tongue is covered in sharp papillae or tiny barbs that give it a rough feel.

Lions use their tongues for grooming and eating. While grooming, the rough surface helps a lion remove insects and debris from its fur as it licks itself.

The rough surface also means a lion can lick fragments of meat from bones after a kill, ensuring it gets maximum return for its effort in bringing down prey.

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