The responsibility for controlling a lion pride’s territory primarily lies with the dominant male lions in the pride. These males, often a coalition of about 3 to 4 related males (brothers, half-brothers, or cousins), lead and defend the pride’s territory, cubs, and resources. They maintain control over the territory through vocalizations, scent marking, and confrontations with rival males or neighboring prides to keep competitors at bay and protect access to food, water, and shelter
. While lionesses are the backbone of the pride, managing hunting, cub- rearing, and social cohesion, the males are the main territorial defenders. Male lions secure the pride’s boundaries and fend off rival males, often engaging in fierce battles to take over or maintain control of the pride’s territory. This territorial defense is crucial to the pride’s survival, ensuring a stable environment for raising cubs and accessing resources
. In summary, dominant male lions are responsible for controlling and defending the pride’s territory, while related lionesses maintain the pride’s internal social structure and hunting activities. This division of roles supports both territorial defense and the pride’s overall survival
