The structure of the lion pack. Pride is a group of lions

This predator stands out against the background of other felines. Unlike their closest relatives, lions live in pride and collaborate with each other. Such a family has its own structure and follows certain rules.

The structure of the lion pack

Pride is a group of lions, in which there are several females and one or two males. Sometimes such a family consists only of female individuals. Sometimes a full flock can have about 40 heads. But usually much less.

All live in the same territory, the size of which mainly depends on the number of heads in the family and the amount of food. On average, it occupies 50 square meters. Km. Lion Pride is a structure in which every beast takes its position. Animals that live in the savanna, from generation to generation adhere to a certain schedule. Males protect the pride territory from hyenas, cheetahs and other predators. Females go to the hunt, providing the whole family. But some lion communities that live in other parts of the Earth may have a completely different structure. Each animal itself produces food, and they gather in flocks only during the rut.

Pride kings

Each pack has its own leader. If there are only females in the family, then their head has died. A leader can challenge a young lion in order to occupy his position. At this moment, there is a fight. Usually the leaders keep only three years, after which they are overthrown by stronger lions. In such families, females spend their entire lives, but the growing males eventually (after a couple of years) leave the flock. Two brothers can live together for life. "Friends" are looking for a new pride in which one of them tries to take the place of the leader.

Lions

Pride is a place where lions can appear at any time of the year. For this, the couple moves away from the rest of the family . Returning, the female has babies for about 100 days. For birth, a cat chooses a secluded place, often in bushes. Usually 3-5 kittens appear on the light. Until a certain time, the mother takes care of the offspring herself, but she does not lose touch with the pride, echoing him with a roar. After a month and a half she introduces the lion with their family. All the members of the pack are cuddling the kids, and this is really important, since the fragile kittens have many enemies, from which only the pride can protect. Eagle or predatory animal can steal and tear toddlers.

Living in a family

In the hot daytime the family prefers to rest. After eating, all the inhabitants of the pack rest in one place. Pride is a convenient structure, from which all members will benefit. Females are protected, males are fed. Interestingly, the lions competently dominate in their possessions. All animals that are on the territory of the pride belong only to him. But the lions will never kill an extra animal. They clearly know how much they need to feed themselves. They also control the fertility of offspring. If there is enough food, lions can lead kittens more often, if hunger is around, they will not start having kids.

On the hunt

Lion pride knows how much food is needed to feed. For example, for a family of four cats a week, it's enough to catch one zebra. Towards evening, the lionesses begin to hunt. Surprisingly, however, zebras or other ungulates feel that the predators are going to "have supper." After all, when the lions just rest, the animals do not run away from them, but they calmly graze. The cat makes a strong growl to cause panic in the prey. Frightened ungulates flee from danger, falling into the clutches of other Pride members who hid in another part of the clearing. Usually, all hunting is led by an old predator who stands aside, giving barely audible sounds to his friends. But sometimes even such tricky tricks can not be crowned with success, because hoofed animals differ speed and speed.

The Lion's Roar

Those who have heard the snarl of a lion understand how impressive and at the same time horrific this phenomenon is. At night, this powerful sound is heard at a distance of 8 kilometers. But why do lions growl? Pride is a family in which all members not only cooperate, but also communicate, give signals to each other. So they can maintain their social connection. It is important that the distance to which they can send each other sound "alerts" is much more than the human ear hears. The lion always puts a meaning into his roar. In addition, sounds are produced by both males and females. But the lioness sounds a bit weaker and higher in tone.

Also, lions are not always together, they can wander around their territory. On the borders of a predator often meets enemy pride, and if he does not recognize someone else's roar, it will be caught unawares. Lions from a strange family can bite a stranger to death. Therefore, the roar for this predator is vital. Lions can be informed by their sounds that this territory is occupied and protected. Thanks to this, young, unripened lonely males can safely wait out the time of loneliness and formation and avoid a skirmish with the dominant lion of the formed pride.