Lion Males are Lazy and Inconsiderate!

Young male lion (Panthera leo) standing side-on in warm afernoon light, Moremi area, Botswana

Did You Know? Female lions do most of the hunting for the pride because the males, with their prominent manes and larger size, are more conspicuous and more easily spotted by potential prey. On group hunts, males will usually trail behind without taking part.

However, when a prey is brought down, they soon arrive and force their way to the front so they can eat first.

Once on a kill, the males will gorge themselves, eating on average about 18kg (about 40lb) of meat in one session, but can stuff themselves with nearly double that amount. Only once they’re done, is it the turn of the females to eat, with the cubs getting the leftovers.

Because adult male lions have manes, the lion is the only member of the cat family in which adult males and females can be distinguished from each other by appearance.

For more information and facts about lions, including their social structure, breeding habits, and hunting techniques, see Lion Facts and Information.