INTRICATE LIVES OF LIONS WITH TOP 10 FASCINATING FACTS <br />WITH PIX AND VID<br />By Shuk Yee Tsang<br />Lions have been captured in stunning detail, revealing surprising facts about their lives as the kings of beasts.<br />The images and footage were taken by wildlife photographer Roger de la Harpe with his wife Pal by his side, who live in Hermanus, South Africa.<br />The couple, who have spent years documenting lions across Africa, shared ten incredible insights into their behaviour, power, and conservation challenges.<br />Here are the top 10 facts they revealed:<br />Second Largest Big Cat – Lions are the second biggest cats after tigers, with males weighing up to 225 kg and females up to 150 kg.<br />The Only Social Cats – They live in prides of 10–15, though some groups can reach 30.<br />Roars That Carry for Miles – Their roar can be heard up to 5 km away, used for warning rivals and reuniting the pride.<br />Spotted Cubs – Cubs are born with rosettes that fade but can sometimes still be seen on adults.<br />Manes Signal Strength – Darker, fuller manes usually mean healthier, more dominant males.<br />Masters of Sleep – Lions rest up to 15 hours daily to conserve energy for hunts.<br />Built-In Weapons – With 3.8 cm claws and rough tongues, they are apex predators despite only 30% hunting success.<br />Family Greeting Ritual – Nuzzling and head rubbing reinforce social bonds.<br />Falling Populations – Numbers have plummeted from 450,000 to around 23,000 in 50 years.<br />A Secret Tail Spine – Only lions have a hidden spine in their tail tuft, with no known purpose.<br />Roger said:<br />“Lions are surely one of the most iconic animals on Earth. Majestic and powerful, they are among the most fascinating creatures we’ve ever photographed.<br />“The male lion’s roar is one of nature’s most powerful signs. Audible up to about 5 km away, it warns off intruders and reunites the pride.<br />“Fifty years ago, there were an estimated 450,000 lions in Africa. Today there are only about 23,000, largely due to habitat loss, poaching and human conflict.<br />“The tuft at the end of a lion’s tail conceals a hard spine about 5 mm long. The lion is the only cat to have this feature, and its function remains a mystery.”<br />END
