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Lions spend much of their time resting and are inactive
for about 20 hours per day. Although lions can be active
at any time, their activity generally peaks after dusk
with a period of socializing, grooming and defecating.
Intermittent bursts of activity follow through the night
hours to dawn, when hunting most often takes place. They
spend an average of two hours a day walking and 50 minutes
eating.
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While a lioness such as this
has very sharp teeth, prey is usually killed by strangulation.
Lionesses are powerful animals who usually hunt in co-ordinated
groups and stalk their chosen prey. However, they are not
particularly known for their stamina - for instance, a
lioness's heart makes up only 0.57 percent of her body weight
(a male's is 0.45 percent of his body weight), whereas a
hyena's heart is close to 10 percent of its body weight. Thus,
although lionesses can reach speeds of 59 km/h (40 mph), they
can only do so for short bursts so they have to be close to
their prey before starting the attack. They take advantage of
factors that reduce visibility; many kills take place near
some form of cover or at night. They sneak up to the victim
until they reach a distance of approximately 30 metres (98 ft)
or less. Typically, several female lions work together and
encircle the herd from different points. Once they have closed
with a herd, they usually target the closest prey. The attack
is short and powerful; they attempt to catch the victim with a
fast rush and final leap. The prey usually is killed by
strangulation.
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