Question 1: Lions are found in the wild in Africa and __.
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Pakistan
Correct Answer: India
Fact: Lions are primarily found in the grasslands, savannas, and shrublands of Africa, like the cubs seen in today’s image. However, as many as 700 wild Asiatic lions still remain in India. Once ranging as far west as Türkiye, this subspecies can now only be found in Gir Protected Area and a few small areas in the Indian state of Gujarat. Around 400 more are in zoos in India and Europe.
Question 2: What is unusual about male lions in Tsavo, Kenya?
- They don’t have canine teeth
- They don’t have manes
- They don’t have tails
Correct Answer: They don’t have manes
Fact: A feature that distinguishes male lions from other big cats is their impressive mane, a thick tuft of hair that encircles the animal’s head and neck. This is an example of sexual dimorphism, the noticeable differences in appearance between male and female species. In Tsavo, however, males have short, thin manes or none at all owing to hotter, drier conditions than on the Serengeti.
Question 3: Which national park in South Africa has the largest population of lions?
- Kruger National Park
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Mokala National Park
Correct Answer: Kruger National Park
Fact: Kruger National Park is in the northeastern part of the country, near the borders of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s one of Africa’s largest game reserves, spanning 7,576 square miles, and ranks among the top wildlife viewing spots in the world. Home to around 147 different mammal species including elephants, buffalo, and leopards, it hosts South Africa’s largest wild lion population, estimated to be more than 1,500.