Though most people are only interested in the male lion, the female lion is more interesting, and has a prowess like no other animal. It can be recognized by the lack of a mane as the male lion normally spots one. The lioness normally lives in a group with other related females and up to three males. It weighs around 200kgs and is lighter than the male counterpart. Lack of a mane makes it be able to hunt better than the males as the mane is heavy, cumbersome and can be spotted from a distance by the prey. They normally hunt in a well planned group of about five to ten females. They first spot the desired prey then stalk it before ambushing. Mostly, lionesses prey on animals much heavier and faster than they are. They therefore must work as a team. They kill there prey by strangulation though they have very long and sharp teeth. The best time for them to hunt is at night when they have a vision advantage. Most animals they prey cannot see well at night. These include buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and impalas. Since they cannot run for long distances, they sneak up to the victim until they are about 30 m away then ambush it. A lioness cannot leave a pride and if it does, it will be very hard for it to join another group. Since all female lions in a group are related, they cannot allow outside intrusion by other female lions. It therefore becomes a nomad or goes back to its group. Lionesses are very social animals and on a hot day, you will find them under tree shades licking, purring and touching each other affectionately.
