The lion is the largest member of the cat family in Africa. Lions are the top predators in any African eco-system where they live. The males have a mane while the females do not have.
They are social animals that live in prides of 5-15 consisting of related females, their offspring and attendant males which are not related to the females. Lionesses are smaller, tougher and hunt food for the herd. They live with their pride for life while the lions leave the pride of birth at 2-4 years. The males are very protective and they maintain the pride.
Lions hunt at night and their characteristic diet includes zebras, giraffe, buffalo, gazelles and impala. They have lifespan of 15 to 20 years and a gestation period of 110 days, giving birth to about four cubs.
Uganda is a gifted country with the tree climbing lions that can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The tree climbing lions are found in only two countries in Africa, the other country being Tanzania in Manyara National Park. The total lion population in Uganda could be slightly over 750. They live isolated in groups in only three of Uganda’s 10 national parks and they are mainly found in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks.