Survival of Lions: Understanding the Struggle to Thrive

🦁Lions are not only the king of the jungle but also vulnerable when they're young, facing threats from elephants, buffalo, other lions, and even small warthogs.

🐾Lion cubs spend their first year learning survival skills through play, building up their strength and instincts to become predators.

🌍The Luangwa Valley in Zambia is one of the last refuges for lions, providing a haven where they can thrive and raise their young.

🐆Leopards are a major threat to lion cubs, and their dense population in Luangwa increases the danger for young lions.

🐃Buffalo herds pose a significant danger to lion cubs, as they can easily trample and kill them if lions don't stay hidden.

What are the main threats to lion cubs?

—Lion cubs face threats from elephants, buffalo, other lions, leopards, and even small warthogs.

Why is the Luangwa Valley important for lions?

—The Luangwa Valley in Zambia is one of the last refuges for lions, providing a safe haven where they can thrive and raise their young.

What is the survival rate for lion cubs?

—In Africa, eight out of ten lion cubs die before the age of two.

Why are leopards a threat to lion cubs?

—Leopards compete with lions for food and prey on lion cubs, posing a significant danger to their survival.

What dangers do buffalo herds pose to lion cubs?

—Buffalo herds can easily trample and kill lion cubs if they're not hidden, making them a significant threat.

00:00[Music] Lions, the world's most iconic cats, are facing extinction due to disappearing habitats.

02:48Lions have the strongest social ties of any big cat, with adults raising their young together and defending the pride from outside threats.

11:27Leopards, the competitors of lions, pose a significant threat to lion cubs in Luangwa, with a dense population and high potential for conflict.

12:59The survival and thriving of lion cubs depend on the protection and guidance of their mothers and the cooperation of the pride.

18:31Buffalo herds bring a serious danger to lion cubs, as they can trample and kill them if they're not hidden.