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Among cats, only a tiger, whose size is not inferior to the royal ones, can enter into competition with a lion. The mass of the beast reaches 200-250 kg, the length of the body of an adult animal is almost 2.5 m, to which is added about a meter of tail with a black hair brush. Inside is a “spur“ of terminal vertebrae, an additional weapon of the predator. Large dimensions do not prevent the beast from being agile and fast. Males are distinguished by a mane that grows from the age of 2 and covers the body from neck to chest. The color of the mane darkens with the age of the animal, this adds even more significance. It is considered that such a dense and elastic woolen mop softens the blows of opponents in duels. The length of the mane hair reaches 40 cm . Its density, shape and color depend on many factors: age, habitat, subspecies, climate, living conditions. In captivity, the mane of lions is always more magnificent, since it does not have to be ruffled in thickets or duels. Testosterone production has a great influence on the formation of a woolen mane, therefore, among lions, the owner of an outstanding mane always has the status of a leader. Lionesses are smaller in size, their weight is up to 140 kg, but they are more graceful than partners, since they are the main hunters of the genus. The majestic mane and massive dimensions would prevent tracking prey. The head of the beast is large, with an elongated muzzle, large jaws. Fangs up to 8 cm long will allow hunters to attack large animals. The body is muscular, the paws are strong, with claws retracted on the fingers. The short coat on the body can be colored from whitish-gray to yellow-brown. The main relatives of the lion in nature: jaguar, tiger and leopard, are animals of Africa. Their existence is confirmed by fossils, the age of which is estimated to be up to 1 million years. Once in ancient times, the habitat of lions was much larger than the present: it covered the entire territory of Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, the south of present-day Russia, the north-western part of India. The persecution of the beast by man and the reduction of the habitat have become disastrous for the predator. It remained in nature only in sub-Saharan Africa and the Girsky Forest of the Indian state. Of the 12 subspecies that existed, six have survived in modern times. Among the extinct subspecies is the famous Barbary lion, the largest wild animal of its relatives. The weight of the giants exceeded 300 kg, and the body length was over 3 m. The last representative of the species was exterminated in 1922. The white lion is not singled out as an independent subspecies of the animal. The cream color of the fine coat is the result of genetic characteristics. South African breeders in captivity grow such lions to order for trophy purposes. Savannas are the favorite habitats of lions, but sometimes they move to the forest or places overgrown with bushes. Animals need large reservoirs and hoofed mammals — their main hunting objects. The character and lifestyle of a lion Among cats, lions differ in the formation of a separate family group, or pride. It consists of several adults, as well as their offspring. Young lion cubs leave the parent pride after reaching puberty. They become loners until they find a new pride with an old leader who will give up the rights to a strong one, or they remain nomads for the rest of their lives. The pride lives by certain rules that the members of the group obey. Strangers are expelled here, males protect their territory, family ties play a binding role. The main getters on the hunt are lionesses. Their advantage is in maneuverability, flexibility and speed. Success depends on the consistency and manifestations of leo's qualities. The productivity of hunting an animal in a team is obvious, but the division of prey depends on the male, if he is nearby. It should be noted that lions are aggressive towards each other during food consumption. #LifeHackTV
