Why do lions eat cheetahs?

Introduction: The Lion and the Cheetah

The lion and the cheetah are two of Africa’s most iconic predators. While both are big cats, they differ in many ways. Lions are the only social cats that live in groups, known as prides, whereas cheetahs are solitary creatures. Lions are known for their strength and power, while cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Despite these differences, lions and cheetahs share a complex relationship, and lions are known to prey on cheetahs in certain circumstances.

Dominant Predator: The Lion’s Behavior and Diet

Lions are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain and have few natural enemies. Their diet consists mainly of large mammals such as zebras, wildebeest, and buffalos, but they will also hunt smaller prey when necessary. Lions are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of any prey they can catch. They are also known to scavenge if there is no fresh kill available. Lions are social hunters and work together to bring down larger prey. This is why they are often able to outcompete other predators in their range, including cheetahs.