FAQ on Africa Cats

Introduction

These carniorous cats (Panthera) are extremely agile mammals and all live within a social hierarchy. Dominent males have breeding rights and the females are avid hunters. Social Lion live in prides containing family groups. The Cheetah, however, is more solitary with the males living in small coalitions and the females living alone or with their young. Lion and Cheetah occur mostly in open woodlands, while the Leopard prefers riverine forest areas.

Why do Cats scratch trees?

This action by cats enables them to keep their claws sharp and clean. Cats also use this action to stretch the tendons that flex the claws in order to remove the build-up from the sheath area.

Which of the Cats is the most social?

The Lion is the most social of the felids. Their pride usually consists of siblings, half-siblings or even strangers. No one really knows why coalitions are formed, but it is suspected that it is to ensure that strong genes are carried as there would be certain males who are allowed to mate with the females.

Some females of a pride may follow brothers who have been evicted and form a new group. These new prides will occupy unclaimed territory, and on some occasions, the females may return to their previous territory to give birth. This is said to be triggered by memory, which is logical, but is considered uncommon behaviour.

What enemy does a predator have?

African cats are members of the high-ranking predators, so who would kill them? The only predators that the smaller species need to fear are those bigger and stronger than them; with the Lion being the strongest.

It is not uncommon for predators to prey on each other. Raptors (Eagle and Owl) have been known to prey on the litters of African cats. Therefore, a Leopard killing Cheetah and Lion killing Leopard occurs as well. There have also been incidences of Spotted Hyaena in large packs killing a Lion if they manage to corner one.

What is the tip of the tail used for?

The fluffy tip of an African cat's tail is probably used for the young cubs to follow the mother through long grass. It is a contrasting colour to the rest of the body so as to stand out. The lion’s tip is black in contrast to their tan body colour and the leopard’s and cheetah’s tip is white in contrast to their dark spots.

These conspicuous tips are also used to express aggression (the Lion whips it just before a charge) or excitement (the Leopard flicks it from side to side after spotting prey).

Do felids store food to consume at a later stage?

No. Cats will eat food immediately after they've caught and killed it. Consumption time depends on the size of the kill. A very big kill e.g. Giraffe might take days to consume.

Where can they be found?

Lions are found in woodlands around Satara, Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge in the Kruger National Park. Leopard are found in riverine forests along the Sabie River and Cheetah occur mostly in Lower Sabie and Crocodile River in the south.