Cuddly
Lion
by
Milo Ballan
Wildlife Series
The majestic lion, one of the largest great cats (Tigers
are the largest). There mane ranging in color from a rich
golden brown to a deep blackish-brown are these animals
mark of being King of Beasts. The lion's mane is the only
variation among the felids, usually beginning a rapid
development from a small tawny ruff at the age of two years
old into a massive mass of hair extending from the neck
area to the underside of the abdomen. In the context of
pride structure and defense, the mane has clear functions
and advantages. The male's mane increases his apparent
size, serves as a visual indication of gender from long
distances and adds to his aura during his strutting
displays in front of females. The lion is the most social
of all felids, setting them apart from all the other great
cats. Life in the pride is a very tactile experience with a
great deal of social grooming and rubbing of heads and
bodies. The pride varies in size from a few as four
individuals to as many as 40 and is composed of related
lionesses, their offspring and one to six nomadic males.
Though this species of felid is not presently threatened to
become an endangered species much must be done to protect
them and their environments. —Milo Ballan
Acrylic on Canvas
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