The lion, scientifically known as Panthera leo, is one of the most recognizable big cats, often symbolizing strength and royalty. Various names are used for male lions depending on their age, social status, and context within their environment. These designations reflect the complex social structure that governs the lives of these powerful predators in the wild.
The Official Terminology
The most direct and official term for an adult male lion is simply a “lion.” This name is used to distinguish the male from the female, which is called a “lioness.” The difference between the sexes, known as sexual dimorphism, is immediately apparent, primarily due to the male’s distinctive mane. This thick growth of hair around the head and neck is unique to the male and is an indicator of health and high testosterone levels.
Social Designations Within the Pride
In the context of their social structure, male lions are often given descriptive labels that define their role and residency. The males that successfully claim and defend a territory and its associated group of females are called Pride Males or resident males. Their primary function is to protect the pride from external threats and reproduce. A male’s tenure as a Pride Male is often relatively short-lived, as they must continuously defend their status from challengers.
Alternatively, males that have been ousted from a pride, or are too young to claim one, are known as Nomads. These nomadic males roam widely, either alone or in small groups, searching for a pride to take over. When two to seven male lions form an alliance to improve their chances of survival and pride takeover, this group is called a coalition. Coalitions, often consisting of brothers or cousins, are crucial for maintaining dominance and defending the territory against rival groups.
Collective Nouns for Lions
When referring to a group of lions, the most widely recognized collective noun is a pride. A pride is a family unit that typically includes related lionesses, their cubs, and one or more resident males. While “pride” refers to the entire social group, the term coalition specifically names a group of male lions. Less common, more archaic terms for a group of lions also exist, such as a “sawt” or a “troop.”