Here we go! Final round! ... Can you feel the excitement in the air?
So, the endlessly talented
requested a shot of a big cat "Showing just how untamed it is" Well, I hope this will suffice, sir.
In spite of being one of the most famous and strongest predators on earth, the more leisurely lifestyle of a male who rules a pride, as opposed to the actively hunting females is a bit of a double-edged sword.
Although it is hotly debated among naturalists, some scientists believe that a diet of nothing but meat in conjunction with having your girlfriends do all your hunting for you leads to an abundance of cholesterol in older, male lions, which subsequently leads to heart complications.
These theories, mind you, should not give credence to the arguments of some radical vegetarians who believe any amount of meat in any diet is a ticket to poor health. The teeth and digestive systems of lions, as well as most large carnivores, simply do not have the means to break down the cellulose of fibrous plants. A short intestinal track more or less means a diet of anything but meat is a slow death to a big cat like a lion.
While it might seem a counterproductive lifestyle, some naturalists speculate the lions evolved their social structure as a means of countering their age-old nemesis the hyenas.
Catching the ungulates of the African veldt can be made easier with a group hunting strategy, but in the end is helped along most by speed. The lighter, faster lioness is, at the end of the day, a better hunter than her bulkier husband. However, when it comes to defending the pride, the size and strength of a male lion means it can lick just about any hyena in single combat.
This size and strength also helps solitary males steal prey from other savannah predators, and so feed themselves that way.
Well, I hope the shot meets your approval,
And the rest of you, you simply MUST check out this super-talented photographer!
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
Sta.sh
I'm very glad you like it!
And thank you, my dear.