Lions+Hunting,+Eating,+and+Diet

=**Lions- Hunting, Eating, and Diet**=

The lion is the largest and most well known animal from South Africa. It is known to be the “king of the jungle,” the animal that all others cower in fear from. Along with it’s big ego, lions, like all other animals, have a very particular way of hunting, eating, and maintaining a regular diet. Thanks to hunting techniques and a variety of preys we can all say that lions are certainly feasting well.

Although male lions are known to be stronger and more fierce, females are the ones that do the hunting. Hunting is normally a team effort amongst the lionesses, who rely on their stealth more than their speed. One of the most common strategies for hunting goes as follows: one or two of the lionesses herd their prey in the direction of the other pride members. These other members are usually hidden in tall grasses to eliminate the threat of scaring their target away. Once the prey is in quick reach of the lionesses, they strike. Since lions aren’t particularly known for their stamina, it’s very important that the prey is close by before they attack. After the target has been caught it is usually killed by strangulation or by the lion enclosing the animal's mouth and nostrils in its jaws. As stated before, male lions usually don’t take part in the hunt, but are the first to express their eating rights once the kill is made. As for eating and diet, lions are carnivores that basically eat any animal they can catch. The most favored prey of the lion includes; antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs; but in some areas, like Kruger National Park, giraffes and other larger animals are regularly hunted. One of the most useful adaptations that lions have is the ability to devour huge amounts of animal flesh throughout a short period of time when the kill is still available. This helps fill the lion's appetite for the time in between hunting trips. In only one meal, a lion on average eats about ninety pounds, which is an amazing amount in comparison to the average human who only eats four pounds throughout the whole day. More than fifty percent of the animal’s diet consists of scavenged food from kills made from other species such as cheetahs and hyenas.

In conclusion, a lion’s hunting, eating, and diet are all huge contributors to the animal’s survival and well-being.