While lions primarily hunt other animals, they might prey on humans under specific circumstances. Between 1990 and 2010, approximately 1,000 lion attacks on humans occurred in Tanzania, averaging around 50 per year. Humans can be perceived as potential prey, especially if they appear vulnerable.
Lions and Their Diet
Lions are apex predators. Their natural diet mainly consists of large hoofed animals such as wildebeest, zebra, and various antelope species. Lions typically hunt in groups, using coordinated strategies to take down prey that can weigh between 100 and 1,000 pounds.
While primarily hunters, lions are also opportunistic feeders. They will scavenge carrion or steal kills from other predators. Humans are not a natural part of a lion’s diet, but situations can arise where they become an alternative food source.
Reasons for Human Predation
Several factors can lead a lion to prey on humans. A significant reason is a lack of natural prey, often caused by habitat loss, human encroachment, or overhunting. When wild spaces shrink, lions may venture closer to human settlements and livestock, increasing conflict.
Injured or old lions may also turn to humans as easier targets. An animal unable to hunt faster, more powerful prey might view a human as less dangerous and more accessible. Additionally, if a lion has successfully hunted humans before, it can develop a learned behavior, potentially passing this on to its pride.
Lions might also attack in self-defense, particularly if threatened or protecting cubs or territory. Unintentional provocation, such as approaching too closely, can trigger an aggressive response. While distinct from active predation, lions may also scavenge human remains, contributing to the perception of them as “man-eaters.”
Minimizing Risk
Minimizing risk in lion habitats requires safety practices. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, as lions are predominantly nocturnal hunters. Many lion attacks occur between 8 PM and 10 PM. Staying within designated vehicles in safari areas and keeping windows closed is also crucial.
Never approach lions, their cubs, or a fresh kill. Making noise when walking in dense bush can alert animals to your presence, preventing surprise encounters. Maintain a safe distance and never run from a lion, as running can trigger a predator’s chase instinct. In human settlements, securing livestock and managing food waste can reduce attractions for lions.
Consequences for Lions and Conservation
When lions prey on humans, they are often tracked and removed from the population. This can involve relocation or, in some cases, euthanasia. These events significantly impact lion populations, especially those already classified as vulnerable due to declining numbers.
Human-lion conflict is a major contributor to the decline in lion populations in Africa. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and human encroachment force lions into closer proximity with people and their livestock. This often leads to retaliatory killings by farmers protecting their livelihoods. Conservation efforts aim to mitigate these conflicts through strategies like improved livestock enclosures, early warning systems, and community involvement to foster coexistence.