Swamp Lion Defeated by Swamp

Swamp lions found in the Busanga swamp, Zambia in the Kafue National Park experience defeat. Their bodies are powerful in dry terrains but are not built for high-speed races in the water.

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Busanga Swamp sits inside Kafue National Park in Zambia, Africa. Even in the dry season, this swamp does not dry out because small rivers run into it from higher ground. Busanga Swamp is home to many animals, including the lechwe, the waterbuck, the African bush elephant, the African buffalo, the crocodile, and the monitor lizard. The fact that this location is wet year-round means that it is difficult for lions to hunt here.
1. What characteristics of lions hinder them from hunting successfully in Busanga Swamp?
  
  Show Answer
  
  The lions are built for power on dry land where they can use their short, thick legs and broad, muscular chests.
2. What adaptations give the lechwe an advantage in Busanga Swamp?
  
  Show Answer
  
  The lechwe have long hooves, strong hind legs, and water-repelling fur.
3. Predict ways the lions could be successful while hunting in Busanga Swamp.
  
  Show Answer
  
  Possible responses: The lions could get as close as possible without being detected by their prey so they wouldn't have to run as far. The lions could target prey animals in the drier parts of Busanga Swamp. Over time, lions might evolve to have a waterproof coat or a smaller chest.
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Term	Part of Speech	Definition	Encyclopedic Entry
ecology	Noun	branch of biology that studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment.	Encyclopedic Entry: ecology
lion	Noun	large cat native to sub-Saharan Africa and Gir Forest National Park, India.
swamp	Noun	land permanently saturated with water and sometimes covered with it.	Encyclopedic Entry: swamp

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Writer

Dani Orth

Editors

Mary Ford, National Geographic Society
Elizabeth Wolzak, National Geographic Society

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Luke Dollar, Conservation Scientist

Courtesy

National Geographic Channel

Sources

Big Cats Initiative

Last Updated

Dec. 8, 2011

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