(1962) MiNr. 24 I+II ** - Burundi - Lion (Panthera leo) with overprint (*VV)

(*VV) - on stamp 24I oval groove in paper from overprint die - manufacturing defect

The Lion (Panthera leo): the King of the Savannah and his secrets

The lion, the majestic beast known as the king of the beasts, is a symbol of strength, courage and nobility. But what makes lions so special and fascinating? Let's uncover a few interesting facts about these beasts that rule the African s

The Queen is the ruler of the pack

Unlike many other felids, they are social creatures that live in packs, which can have up to 30 members. Yet the lioness is often considered the king indeed. It is the lionesses who take care of the hunting and provide food for the group. The males are in charge of defending the territory

The lion's roar that shakes the savannah

Lions one have one of the most powerful voices among felines. Their speech can be heard up to 8 kilometres away! This deafening sound is used to mark territory, communicate with pack members or intimidate enemies

The Lion King?

Despite his reputation as a powerful hunter, he spends most of his day resting. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day! They use this time to draw energy for night hunting, when they are most active.

Head as a calling card

The density, colour and length of a lion's mane is not only an aesthetic feature, but also an indicator of health, strength and dominance. Males with darker and richer manes tend to be more attractive to females and often command respect from other males.

An endangered icon of nature

Unfortunately, lion populations have declined dramatically in recent decades. They now inhabit only a fraction of their formerly vast territories. Loss of habitat, conflicts with humans and poaching are the main threats. Today, the lion is classified as a vulnerable species, which means their survival depends on conservation programs.

Final Interest

Did you know that lions lived in Europe in ancient times? The cave lion, a now extinct subspecies, used to inhabit areas of what is now Italy, Spain or even the Czech Republic thousands of years ago. No wonder it has inspired many myths and legends.

The lion is not only a symbol of power, but also a reminder of the fragility of nature. Its fate is linked to how mankind manages to preserve the wild beauty of our planet.