Lions are apex predators in African ecosystems, occupying the top of their food chain. Their formidable size, strength, and social structure mean they face few natural threats that actively hunt them. However, various factors threaten a lion’s existence, and their remains provide sustenance for scavengers.
Active Threats to Lions
Other lions and humans represent the most significant active threats to a lion’s life. Intraspecific conflict, particularly among male lions, is a common cause of death. When new male coalitions take over a pride, they often kill existing cubs to bring the lionesses into estrus, allowing them to sire their own offspring. Fights over territory or pride control between rival male coalitions can also result in fatal injuries.
Humans contribute significantly to lion mortality through various activities. These include trophy hunting, illegal poaching for body parts, and retaliatory killings by farmers protecting livestock. Accidental snaring set for other animals and habitat encroachment also increase human-induced lion deaths. In some regions, human activities account for a vast majority of lion mortalities.
Non-Predatory Causes of Lion Mortality
Lions also succumb to various non-predatory factors. Diseases, particularly those transmitted from domestic animals, can devastate lion populations. Canine distemper virus (CDV) has caused outbreaks with high mortality rates. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), often acquired from infected prey, can lead to severe health decline. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can also weaken a lion’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other infections.
Starvation is another common cause of death, especially for older, injured, or inexperienced lions. Lions that are no longer able to hunt effectively due to age or injury can become emaciated. Young lions, particularly males dispersing from their birth prides, may lack the hunting skills to secure sufficient food. Periods of drought or prey scarcity can also lead to widespread starvation across a pride.
Lions can also suffer severe injuries during hunts, which may ultimately lead to their demise. Attacking large and dangerous prey such as buffalo, giraffes, or even porcupines can result in broken bones, deep punctures from horns, or debilitating kicks. These injuries can become infected, impair a lion’s ability to hunt, or make them vulnerable to other threats.
Scavengers of Lion Remains
After a lion dies, its carcass becomes a food source for various scavengers in the ecosystem. Spotted hyenas are highly efficient at consuming carrion and possess powerful jaws capable of crushing bones. Vultures, with their keen eyesight, quickly locate carcasses from high above and are among the first to arrive, stripping soft tissues.
Jackals, such as the black-backed and side-striped species, are smaller scavengers that will feed on lion carcasses, especially after larger scavengers have opened them up. While African wild dogs primarily hunt, they may opportunistically scavenge if a suitable carcass is found. Even other lions may resort to scavenging on lion remains if food is extremely scarce, though this behavior is less common and typically only occurs out of desperation.