From other representatives of cat lions differ in that they form prides, peculiar social groups. They usually consist of 5-18 lionesses, who are close relatives, lion cubs (their offspring) and several lions, among which there is one leader. Animals do not establish hierarchical relationships, they are all equal except for the dominant male, who enjoys the right to be the first to start a meal, mate with females and attack enemies who enter the territory. A pride of lions has its own territory, which it protects from other groups and solitary predators.
Babies stay with their mothers until they are 2.5 years old, and then they are expelled because they begin to claim the championship. But this applies only to males, females remain in the pride, inheriting the mother's territory. Lonely lions sometimes unite in 2-5 individuals, mostly they are brothers. It is more difficult for them to get food and defend themselves, but they are not burdened with caring for the family, therefore they eat better than predators living in groups. Sooner or later, such coalitions capture the pride, one lion does notcan hold the championship for more than 3 years.
The new male immediately kills all other cubs, only those who are over a year old can escape. A pride of lions protects the little ones, but it's practically useless, because the invaders will not spare anyone. They do this not from evil, but because otherwise the males will not be able to produce their own offspring. A lioness with cubs will be able to get pregnant only after 2 years, but after killing the cubs, estrus begins after 3 weeks. Since the leaders often change, this gives the male the opportunity to raise his offspring.
Life in a pride of lions follows its own laws. There are several reasons why predators form groups. Firstly, the chance to catch a large prey increases, together they can hunt buffalo and other strong animals. Secondly, the pride of lions protects babies who are born at about the same time. Females protect absolutely all cubs, feed them and protect them from predators. Thirdly, it is easier for the group to defend their territory and kill other lionesses. But most importantly, the pride of lions is able to repel the attack of stray lone males and protect their babies.
For communication, predators use visual perception, odor signals and sounds. Having externally examined the opponent, the lion already knows whether it is worth attacking him, or it is better to retreat, and the males from the same pride behave friendly and rub their muzzles, greeting each other. Animals mark their territories, so by smell, a stranger must determine that he has wandered into a protected area. One-year-old lion cubs learn to roar, acoustic communication is necessary for communication. With the help of a roar, males can communicate with their relatives or announce to strangers that the territory is occupied, this is how the animal world works.
Predators (a pride of lions is no exception) expel old individuals, so hunger and stronger felines are the main danger for them. Males usually die at the age of 11, sometimes living up to 16 years. The life of females is longer because they are not expelled from the pride. In the wild, they live for about 15 years, and in captivity - 13 years.
