The Lions That Hunt In The Sea
Predatory cats are quite adaptable, but few can imagine that there are lions that hunt at sea. A herd of lions that inhabit the desert coast of Namibia has a very peculiar diet.
The lions that hunt at sea
A study published in The Namibian Journal of Environment revealed that at least two herds in this region feed on marine fauna.
Researchers believe that sea lions can even feed on crustaceans, as they have been seen digging for food. However, this diet has not been documented, so it cannot be stated with certainty.
In this extreme climate, lions and other wild animals struggle and struggle to survive.
In this region of Namibia, the African lion was also hunted by conflicts with livestock for a long time, so it is a species that has been pushed to regions with few resources in the country.
This is not the first time these cats have been seen capturing seals : they were sighted in 2006, but it was believed to be an opportunistic hunt rather than their usual diet.
However, it seems that the lions that hunt in the sea are not a mere joke, but that these animals have adapted to a different diet.
The depredation of seals was especially striking for the researchers, as this behavior was only observed in large terrestrial predators in the case of the polar bear.
the desert lions
It must be taken into account that in Namibia there are other populations of lions that are also in extreme environments.
In the north of the country, far from the coast, the so-called desert lions still survive. In the Namibe Desert there are also populations of this species, which have to face long seasons without water. In fact, much of their hydration comes from the blood and muscles of their prey.
Interestingly, most lions in Namibia are different from those in other parts of Africa, although this does not make them a different subspecies.
They are animals with thicker coats due to the harsh desert nights, and thinner in appearance than their relatives in other parts of the African continent.
In addition, the lions that hunt in this country live in smaller herds, but with a larger territory, as they have to move more to get food.
Interestingly, no cases of infanticide, something that occurs with savanna lions, were detected.
The two herds of lions that hunt in the sea are believed to have about 100 desert lions left. Namibia’s other lions are spread across Etosha National Park.
Although Namibia is one of the least populated regions in the world, lions have had to face conflicts with livestock and the brutality of the climate.
The venom is still used in these areas, although species such as the black rhino are in a good position.
That’s why many wonder if the lions that hunt in the sea and live in the desert are destined to disappear. What will happen to these Namibian cats?
