Understanding Lion Tracks on Safari
For many visitors to the bush, the art of tracking and following an animal is both mystical and fascinating to experience.
One of the oldest known art forms, tracking is as ancient as humanity itself. Today, it is a diminishing aspect of indigenous culture.
How to Track a Lion
When tracking Lions, there are several important features to look for. A Lion has four distinct toes, but ordinarily, no claws show in the track unless the animal is walking in deep mud, running, or scraping the ground when scent marking with its hind feet.
Claws aid in grip when the Lion accelerates. Their claws also help assist in the hunting process of taking down prey or holding on to prey. In territorial disputes Lions will also use their claws in fight.
The main pad of a Lion's foot has three clear lobes at the back, which is common to all cats. There are also two rounded toes higher up the leg, one being the dew claw, that do not show in the track.
Track Size and Shape
Lion tracks can vary in size, typically ranging from 90 - 145mm in length, depending on the size and sex of the animal.
Males have slightly longer and broader tracks than females. The average track length for a female's front foot measures about 130mm.
Differences Between Front and Hind Tracks
The front track of a Lion is larger compared to the hind track, which is often narrower. This size difference is due to the weight of the Lion's head and chest, which the front foot must bear.
The Lion uses its forefeet to grab hold of prey and in fighting. The toes of the front foot are also slightly more splayed.
Male Lions often exhibit a "flick" in their front feet, which shows up in the track, making it less clean as it lands on the ground.
This movement can obscure the front track slightly, giving it a characteristic Lion swagger.
In a normal stride, the hind foot strikes the ground approximately 8cm in front of the front foot. When stalking, the back foot will land on top of the front foot, registering directly over it.
Tracking Tips
Lions generally move in prides and often take the easiest routes, such as well - worn game paths, riverbeds, or short grass clearings.
Unlike Leopards, which avoid detection, Lions make no particular effort to hide themselves. However, tracking Lions is not just about covering long distances or getting exercise.
It’s about experiencing the natural world from an animal’s perspective, noticing details like how grass bends after an Elephant has passed, identifying insects and birds along the way, and learning how to "read the bush newspaper" through tracks and signs left by wild residents.
Fun Facts About Lions
Lions are the only cats that live in groups, called prides, which can consist of up to 30 Lions depending on the availability of food and water.
Female Lions are the primary hunters in the pride.
A Lion's roar can be heard up to eight kilometers away.
Lions scent mark their territory using their urine to create a border.
Conclusion
The Lion spirit is associated with invincibility, self - confidence, and bravery. It is the fiercest spirit animal, symbolizing the strength to face all of life's adversities and challenges.
By understanding these tracking basics and appreciating the deeper significance of Lions, you can enrich your safari experience.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography
More Things I Love Stories
For more articles about things I love you can click on the links below, there are so many great things amongst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.
Acacia Gum: Click Here
Fly Fishing: Click Here
Birding: Click Here
Stars: Click Here
Sunsets: Click Here
Sunrise: Click Here
Kelp: Click Here
Beard Lichen: Click Here
Mountains: Click Here
Art and Meaning of Tracking: Click Here
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