The lion (Panthera leo) is a powerful and recognizable species. Unlike most other felines, lions are highly social animals that live in cooperative family groups called prides. This unique social structure shapes the lives and roles of every individual within the group.
Adult Male Lion Naming Conventions
The adult male lion does not possess a distinct, widely recognized common name comparable to “lioness” for the female. The formal term used in general conversation is simply “lion” or “male lion.” Specialized terminology exists among scientists and conservationists to describe the male’s social status within the pride structure.
A male who has successfully taken control of a territory and associated females is often referred to as a “pride male” or “resident male.” Conversely, a male traveling alone or with a group of other males is known as a “nomad.” The collective term for a group of traveling male lions is a “coalition.”
Distinguishing Features and the Mane
The most striking feature distinguishing the adult male lion is the prominent mane, a thick growth of hair covering the head, neck, shoulders, and sometimes the chest. This mane is an example of sexual dimorphism, a physical difference between the sexes, and develops around two to three years of age due to increasing testosterone levels. Males also exhibit a significant size advantage, weighing between 330 and 570 pounds, while females typically weigh 270 to 400 pounds.
The mane functions primarily as a signal of fitness to both potential mates and rivals. Darker manes generally indicate higher testosterone levels and better nutrition, which females often prefer. Mane length is often associated with fighting prowess. The thick hair also provides a measure of defense, absorbing some impact during territorial fights with other males.
Life as a Resident or Nomadic Male
The life of an adult male lion is characterized by two major phases: the nomadic stage and the resident stage. Male cubs are typically expelled from their birth pride around three years of age, forcing them to become nomads. The nomadic phase is spent honing survival skills and attempting to challenge resident males for control of a pride.
If a coalition is successful, they become the resident males of a pride, gaining mating access to the lionesses. The primary role of these new resident males is to patrol and defend the territory against other nomadic groups, which they accomplish through scent marking and roaring. This tenure is short-lived, typically lasting only two to three years before they are challenged and ousted by a younger, stronger coalition.
Following a successful takeover, the new males attempt to kill any existing young cubs sired by their predecessors, a behavior known as sexually selected infanticide. This act causes the mothers to quickly re-enter their reproductive cycle, allowing the new resident males to sire their own offspring sooner.