LIONS AND POULTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20868, 9 May 1931, Page 2 (Supplement)

LIONS AND POULTRY.

RAIDING OF HEN-ROOSTS. CONTEMPT FOR MOTOR-CARS. Civilisation is having a demoralising effect upon tho lions of Africa. They have long had a contempt for tho motorcar, and now they have taken to robbing hen-roosts like any common fox. According to the annual report of the chief warden of tho Kruger National Park, Eastern Transvaal, somo lions have become so used to motor-cars that they have absolutely refused to move out of tho roadway, and have even resented tho attempts of cars to pass along. " I havo tested the matter for myself," states tho chief warden, " and havo found on several occasions that, however unwilling the lions may appear to be to get out of the way of a car. if the car goes on steadily at a slow pace they will get up and givo way when they think they aro likely to be run over.

" Usually tlw lions lio down again quietly at the side of the road. In fact, so little interest do they display in motorcars that I have seen lions pass at a distance of only a few yards actually looking tho other way. Nor docs a conversation carried on in loud tones appear to frighten them. No doubt tho noise of the engine and tho smell of tho petrol gases- may account for this. " I have invariably found, however, tliab tho same lions the moment a man gets out, of tho car and shows himself 011 the road will spring up and bound away at once. The only exception would bo a lioness with young cubs, and naturally such an animal must bo treated with respect. " A growing trait in lions, and one not usually connected with'their habits, is that of raiding hen-roosts at night. Domestic fowls appear to have a great attraction for them now. Many of the native wardens have lost all their poultry, the lions —always females or young animals —climbing up on the roosts and pulling the birds out wholesale. One ranger shot a young mature lion actually in his fowlhousa in tho act of carrying off a Jbon.'-i

club business. All went well for a time, until last year his premises were raided and ho was fined £l7O and deported for selling liquor after hours. "It broke his heart to have to leave England," said 3\lr. Jacobsen.