lion pride
Why do some animals kill or injure their young?
Animal infanticide is defined as the killing of young offspring, by a mature animal of its own species. Infanticide in the wild is well documented and is studied in zoology.
According to Doug Mock, a professor of biology at the University of Oklahoma, animal parents have limited resources to dedicate to their offspring, and if the baby is sick or weak, carnivores have been known to consume babies or abandon them.
Infanticide can be accidental, too, said Susan Margulis, associate professor of biology at Canisius College.
“The thing that people don’t realize is that most young animals die. Most die when they’re in infancy. Animals mostly raise two babies to adulthood” she said.
When animal mothers neglect or try to kill their own young in captivity, hand-rearing is one option, Margulis said
Infanticide is often perpetrated by adult males, however female animals are also known to kill or injure their young.
According to a BBC Nature News article, Baby animals are often protected by their fathers, with male protection playing an important role in infant survival.
But when new males arrive on the scene, everything can change.
Male interlopers attempt to overthrow these fathers. If they succeed, by hurting, chasing off or even killing a previously dominant male, and taking over the leadership of their group, then infants are suddenly placed at great risk.
Males who take over a lion pride often only want one thing – to have their own children with the mother. Males who have arrived on the scene often only want one thing – to have their own children with the mother.
In lion society, for example, killing infant’s result in their mothers becoming quickly fertile again, increasing the chance of the new males having offspring.
(Sources: BBC Nature News, PBS.org)
Interesting facts about Lions
The African Lion has been a symbol of raw power, ongoing perseverance and strength through out the ages.
Feared by many and loved by even more, the African lion is one of the biggest attractions pulling in hundreds of tourists each year.
Here are some interesting facts about Lions:
They live and work in groups
Lions are one of the few species that live, hunt and socialize in groups known as prides. The males in the group do not hunt as often as the females in the group. The females use well-planned tactics to catch prey faster and bigger than them; the females form a circle formation making their chance much higher in catching their prey.
Lazy Lions
Like house cats’ lions enjoy lazing around, sleeping up to 18 hours per day, they will then use the stored up energy in the evening when the temperature is much cooler.
Manes play an important role
Manes play a big role in male lions as this portrays their rank in the pride, manes have many meaning in the health and size appearance of the male lion, the mane often making male lions appear larger resulting in a more intimidating looks to other males in the pride wanting to take the role of Alpha.
Lions used as war deities
Lions have been a status symbol of strength and raw power, often used in ancient armies as war deities. The use of lions in warfare showed that the army had a high status and money. Thankfully the use of them as fighter has been stopped many years ago.
King of the jungle
Even though lions are referred to as the “King Of The Jungle” they live in grasslands and dry plains, the name was most likely
FAQ #3 – How often is a male replaced in a Pride and Why?
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