INTRICATE LIVES OF LIONS WITH TOP 10 FASCINATING FACTS
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
Lions have been captured in stunning detail, revealing surprising facts about their lives as the kings of beasts.
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.
The couple, who have spent years documenting lions across Africa, shared ten incredible insights into their behaviour, power, and conservation challenges.
Here are the top 10 facts they revealed:
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.
The Only Social Cats – They live in prides of 10–15, though some groups can reach 30.
Roars That Carry for Miles – Their roar can be heard up to 5 km away, used for warning rivals and reuniting the pride.
Spotted Cubs – Cubs are born with rosettes that fade but can sometimes still be seen on adults.
Manes Signal Strength – Darker, fuller manes usually mean healthier, more dominant males.
Masters of Sleep – Lions rest up to 15 hours daily to conserve energy for hunts.
Built-In Weapons – With 3.8 cm claws and rough tongues, they are apex predators despite only 30% hunting success.
Family Greeting Ritual – Nuzzling and head rubbing reinforce social bonds.
Falling Populations – Numbers have plummeted from 450,000 to around 23,000 in 50 years.
A Secret Tail Spine – Only lions have a hidden spine in their tail tuft, with no known purpose.
Roger said:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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