Asiatic Lion (Babber Sher)
¤ The Majestic Beast
The Asiatic Lion is a smaller species than its cousin in Africa.
Standing at 90 centimetres at the shoulder, the Asiatic Lion can weigh
anything between 200-250 kg. It is 8-9 ft in length, the tail itself
measuring about 60-90 cm. It has a much longer mane and tail tuft than
the African Lion. The elbows are also larger and the coat thinner. But
what sets it apart it from its cousin in Africa is the distinctive
fold on its belly.
¤ Believes In Joint Family System
Unlike most members of the felidae family,
adult lions live in pairs. Normally, the association is long
lasting. It is not unusual to come across a family of a lion, lioness
and three to four cubs under a shady tree or near a water hole. The
family relaxes by the day and hunts when the sun touches the horizon.
Hunting is a family affair. The pride drives and isolates its quarry
from the herd before bringing it down. Eating is again get-together
time, with the family members assembled all around the kill, munching
their favourite parts.
The Asiatic Lion’s prey includes the nilgai, chital, sambar and
almost all ungulates it could lay its paws upon, including goats,
buffaloes and camels.
The breeding season of the Asiatic Lion is from October to November.
Mating is extremely noisy and the pair meows, growls and grumbles all
throughout the breeding ritual. After a gestation period of 31/2
months, the mother gives birth to 3-4 cubs that are entirely dependent
on her for the next two years.
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