Tattoo by Oleg Turyanskiy.

A few interesting facts about lions:

Every lion has ‘ whisker spots ’. The whisker spots for the top row of whiskers differ between individuals and remains constant throughout their life. Researchers often use this unique pattern to identify individuals in a pride.

Lions have 30 teeth!

Male lions are 20-35% larger than females and 50% heavier. Some believe their mane makes them look bigger and protects him from bites and scratches when fighting with male for control of a pride. Researchers have also found that the size and coloration of the mane may serve as a sign of the male’s fitness to potential female mates. It seems the ladies prefer fuller and darker manes! Males’ large body size also means they eat more food. Male lions can eat up to 43 kilograms (94.6 pounds) in a day, while a female may eat over 25 kg (55 pounds).

Most lions drink water daily if it is available, but can go up to five days without. Those that live in arid areas appear to obtain the moisture they need from the stomach contents of their prey.

Water sources also offer a place to ambush prey because the pride is able to funnel potential victims into a smaller area. These locations are favored by prides, and they will maintain presence over them for generations if possible.

Lions are classified as ‘vulnerable‘ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Their numbers have been declining rapidly over the last few decades due to habitat loss, humans’ indiscriminate killing of lions, persecution from humans, and disease. Conservationists have warned that we could lose lions, an internationally recognized African icon, in as little as 20 years. Their numbers have been declining rapidly over the last few decades due to habitat loss, humans’ indiscriminate killing of lions, persecution from humans, and disease. Trophy hunting is also beginning to emerge as a considerable threat to their existence, particularly through altering sex and age ratios and shifting pride dynamics.

Remember: Tattoos are forever… and so is extinction. To see all of the FANTASTIC art featured on Bush Warriors Tattoo of the Day, and to learn more about this initiative, please click here. You can also share photos of your own wildlife tattoos and enjoy others’ at our Facebook group, Bush Warriors Inked Nation for Conservation.

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