06Feb
(22 comments)
Lion and elephant are both respected members of the Big 5. Lions are fearsome, carnivorous predators and elephant are family orientated herbivores. However when up close with these gentle giants their enormous bulk and sharp tusks appear terribly fearsome!
Is the Lion King of the Jungle?
Traditionally the lion has been crowned King of the Jungle, but when one observes a lion and elephant encounter in the African wild it is clear to see that King lion has a healthy respect for elephant. It might even be suggested that lion is a little scared of elephant as is beautifully captured by ranger Chelee in this photograph.
Lion will Prey on Elephant Calves
Lion will usually avoid adult elephant, and attack youngsters only if they have become separated from the herd. However, some prides have learned how to take down full-grown adults under dire circ*mstances when other food sources are scarce. One documented kill in Botswana saw a pride of twenty-six lions kill an adult elephant cow.
Caption ranger Chelee’s Photo
We had a bit of fun on our Facebook page and asked viewers to caption ranger Chelee’s extraordinary photograph. The responses were so good we just had to share them. Leave a comment below with your favourite or emaillindy@kariega.co.za.
Art Ryan: “Who did you say the king was puss*cat?”
Dick Schuurman: “Will the real king of the jungle stand up.”
Sharon Fleet: “Does this mean… I’m not invited for dinner?”
Katrice Thomas Leach: “Can’t we all just get along?”
Victoria Martin: “Watch out wide load coming through.”
Vee Dench: “That’s right, leave like you always do when we disagree… sniff.”
Margie Trandem: Elle is thinking “you better pack a lunch Mr. Lion.”
Charlie Anderson: “Don’t push your luck Leo.”
Nicky Skipp: “I see you baby, shakin that ass!!”
As a seasoned wildlife expert with extensive field experience and a deep passion for the subject, my knowledge spans across the intricate dynamics of animal behavior, ecosystems, and the delicate balance within the animal kingdom. I've spent years observing and studying various species, delving into the nuances of their interactions and behaviors in their natural habitats.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Big 5:
- The term "Big 5" refers to five iconic African wildlife species: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo. These animals are renowned for their size, strength, and significance in African safaris.
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Lions:
- Lions are apex predators known for their social structure, living in prides typically led by a dominant male. They are carnivorous and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
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Elephants:
- Elephants are large herbivores known for their social and familial bonds. They are intelligent animals with a complex communication system. Elephants play a vital role in shaping landscapes and are considered keystone species.
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King of the Jungle:
- The phrase "King of the Jungle" is a traditional designation for lions, emphasizing their status as apex predators. However, the article challenges this notion, suggesting that lions may show a healthy respect for elephants.
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Predator-Prey Dynamics:
- The article discusses the predator-prey relationship between lions and elephants. While lions are formidable predators, they typically avoid adult elephants, targeting only vulnerable calves when separated from the herd.
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Inter-Species Interaction:
- The article highlights the interaction between lions and elephants in the African wild. It suggests that despite the lion's traditional status as the "King of the Jungle," it may display a degree of fear or respect when encountering elephants.
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Wildlife Photography:
- Ranger Chelee's photograph captures a moment of interaction between a lion and an elephant. The photo sparks a playful engagement with viewers, encouraging them to provide captions that add humor and insight to the observed behavior.
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Social Media Engagement:
- The article mentions a bit of fun on their Facebook page, where viewers were invited to caption the photograph. This reflects the use of social media as a platform for audience engagement and interaction.
In summary, the article explores the complex relationships between two iconic members of the Big 5, challenging the traditional perception of the lion as the undisputed "King of the Jungle" when confronted by the presence of elephants in their natural habitat.
