Life is tough, if you're a Lion. While the males are always at the risk of being killed by the groups of rival males, the females are prone to having their cubs killed by the new males that over the pride.
A pride may comprise from 2 to 20 related females and their offspring, along with a coalition of 1 to 9 males. while the males are related to each other, they are not related to the females. The females give birth at the same time and the cubs are nursed communally. Dispersal is male-biased, with most females remaining in the natal pride while cohort males form a coalition and leave the natal pride to become nomadic. Nomadic male coalitions may fight with resident males to acquire a territory and reproductive opportunities. Takeover of a pride is usually followed by infanticide.
Researchers believe that there are few affiliative behaviors of the lions, with Head-rubbing and Licking being the two most obvious ones.
Head-rubbing is when one lion bends its head towards the head, neck, or most often, under the chin of a second lion, and nuzzles up against it. The behavior provides not only tactile stimulation, but it may also play a role in sensory communication. Licking parts of another individual’s body, also referred to as grooming, is considered to have social as well as hygienic benefits, in the same way as grooming in primates and other mammalian taxa. Other affiliative behaviours exhibited by lions include social play in which juveniles and occasionally adults also engage. Less conspicuously, some vocalization and physical contact while resting may also convey amicable intention, although detailed investigations are lacking.
These beautiful, otherwise ferocious, felines also have a loving and gentle side to their existence. Beastly, strong, violent yet cuddly, adorable and cute.. such are the Rulers of the Jungle.
