Lion
The African lion may seem a familiar animal, but research is continually throwing up surprises about its behaviour. The complex relationships between individuals and battles between the sexes are fascinating.
Lions were once widespread across Europe, the Middle East and North America as well as Africa and Asia. The African lion population has declined dramatically and is now mainly restricted to the National Parks of Africa. Asian lion populations have also declined and can now only be found in one National Park in India.
Lions are open country specialists and share the savannah with a number of other predators in a very competitive environment.
Watch the video below to see footage from Roger de la Harpe getting more than he bargained for when trying to get close up film of a pride of lions in Tswalu Kalahari.