About the Author

James Tyrrell

Alumni

James had hardly touched a camera when he came to Londolozi, but his writing skills that complemented his Honours degree in Zoology meant that he was quickly snapped up by the Londolozi blog team. An environment rich in photographers helped him develop the ...

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21 Comments

on Are Male Lions Lazier than Females?

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William Riley
Explorer

Really good set of papers on this done in the neighbouring Kruger is Funston et al 1998, and Funston, Mills and Biggs 2001. As you found with the Ntsevu lionesses and the Majingilane male, buffalo are the most important prey for male lions who hunted frequently and wildebeest / zebra / warthog for lionesses, due to the differences in size, speed and power. Great post and pics!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Thanks William,
I’ll try get hold of that paper!

Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Love this blog James. It realy help to understand lions better. Interesting fact that the males can walk 20km a night to patrol their territory.

William Julien
Guest contributor

James,
Enjoy reading your informative articles. Sounds like a lot of hard work to be a male lion. And there is always another competitor ready to chop (or eat) your head off.
Regards from Florida,
Bill Julien

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Bill,
Yip, out of a long list of animals to choose from out here, a male lion is actually one of the last I’d want to be. They don’t have it easy!

Mary Beth Wheeler
Guest contributor

Well explained, James! Thanks. Have the Tsalala young males gone north?

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Mary Beth,
The opposite in fact; they’ve been seen in the deep south with the Sparta females!

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

Very interesting article, James, and clearly, the relationship between males and females is fairly standard and in no way resembles that of humans! ? Loved the photos too!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Darlene,
Thanks for the comments!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Fascinating James. This explains quite clearly the dynamics of the male/female roles. In a way, it’s a society of entitlement- males defend, females provide the sustenance. Perhaps a win-win for both ?!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Denise,
Exactly – neither would be particularly successful without the other…

Cynthia House
Explorer

Thank you for the wonderful article about male lion behaviour, very informative and thankfully making it clear what the important role of male lions is.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Cynthia,
You’re welcome 🙂

Eugene Dopheide
Digital Ranger

James, love your photos and well written articles, I just had to respond to this informative post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the African bush. With each article I read, I form a better opinion about the complex interactions of animals in their natural habitat, a habitat of Kruger Park and surrounding conserves, such as Londolosi.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Eugene,
Thanks for the comments. Yip, the complexities of a wildlife system are far more intricate than we can ever begin to fully understand, which I guess is why it’s such a fascinating environment.

Tina Lemly
Explorer

Well written and very informative! Thank you!

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Tina,
Glad you enjoyed it!

Leonie De Young
Master Tracker

What an interesting blog on lion dynamics James. Thanks for sharing this information. All these things make sense when explained so clearly. This has changed my impression on the male lions. It has also confirmed my thoughts on the roles that females perform (I guess the saying “the weaker sex” comes to mind.) Thanks again.

James Tyrrell
Alumni

Hi Leonie,
Yes, the roles of both are very different but equally as important when it comes to the success of the species as a whole.

Callum Evans
Guest contributor

I have read a number of studies about lions that show adult males, even those with a pride, as being active hunters and even collaborating with the females to tackle agile prey like impala. It’s good to shatter those old stereotypes about lions.

Janie Hansen
Explorer

Fascinating, well written article. Ok, I will stop lazy-shaming the male lions. Now I understand. Thanks!

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