{"id":4607,"date":"2021-04-30T23:49:10","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T23:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/?p=4607"},"modified":"2021-05-07T17:22:11","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T17:22:11","slug":"what-are-a-lions-predators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/","title":{"rendered":"What are a Lion\u2019s Predators?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Question: <\/strong>What are Lions predators?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an alpha predator, the lion has no natural predators and sits comfortably at the top of the food chain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lions get the pick of the litter, so to speak when it comes to food. They eat A LOT so will dine on almost anything, including wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes, and will also eat larger prey, especially if they&#x2019;re sick or injured.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_47 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-66125d7c3d298\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-66125d7c3d298\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#The_Apex_Predator\" title=\"The Apex Predator&nbsp;\">The Apex Predator&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Human-Lion_Conflict\" title=\"Human-Lion Conflict&nbsp;\">Human-Lion Conflict&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Lion_Fact\" title=\"Lion Fact\">Lion Fact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Does_the_lion_have_any_predators\" title=\"Does the lion have any predators?\">Does the lion have any predators?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#What_animals_kill_lions\" title=\"What animals kill lions?\">What animals kill lions?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#What_are_lions_afraid_of\" title=\"What are lions afraid of?\">What are lions afraid of?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#What_is_the_lion%E2%80%99s_worst_enemy\" title=\"What is the lion&#x2019;s worst enemy?\">What is the lion&#x2019;s worst enemy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Can_a_gorilla_kill_a_lion\" title=\"Can a gorilla kill a lion?\">Can a gorilla kill a lion?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#Can_a_lioness_kill_a_male_lion\" title=\"Can a lioness kill a male lion?\">Can a lioness kill a male lion?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#What_bird_can_kill_a_lion\" title=\"What bird can kill a lion?&#xA0;\">What bird can kill a lion?&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Apex_Predator\"><\/span>The Apex Predator&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the wild, the African lion is referred to as Africa&#x2019;s apex land predator, meaning they have no predator and can indiscriminately prey on whomever they choose in their habitat. This can include, but not limited to, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, elephant calves, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, warthogs, and many more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Male lions are incredibly territorial and will defend their <a href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-is-a-group-of-lions-called\/\">pride<\/a> and territory against intruders, i.e., hyenas, and will fight till death if necessary. Interestingly, lions will also take any opportunity to steal prey off other animals like cheetahs and leopards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the adult male lion has no natural enemies, the same can&#x2019;t be said for their cubs. Unfortunately, due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlifesouthafrica.com\/blog\/mammals-of-south-africa\/lion-fact-file\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scarcity of food<\/a> in some habitats, animals like the hyena, African wild dog, and the cheetah will attempt to kill a cub if and when there is an opportunity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Human-Lion_Conflict\"><\/span>Human-Lion Conflict&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Humans are the largest threat to the lion with hunters regularly poaching them for &#x2018;trophies&#x2019; and rapidly decreasing the already scarce wild lion population. People are also known to kill lions who encroach on their farming land to protect their livestock and in some cases, lions are killed for tribal purposes, however, it appears this ritual has since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/morning-mix\/wp\/2014\/12\/15\/african-tribe-ditches-lion-killing-as-proof-of-manhood-embraces-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ceased<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Human-lion conflict is problematic and discourse on managing the situation is becoming increasingly rampant. According to a recent<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6155518\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> study<\/a>, human-lion conflict is one of the leading threats to the lion, especially by local farmers retaliating. However, the study concluded that &#x2018;while livestock loss is a source of conflict&#x2019;, the degree to which it is the fault of lions is relatively low compared to disease and theft which were considered top factors of livestock loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As much as 43 percent of the lion population in Africa has declined over the past 21 years due to deforestation and human intervention, in particular. Attacks are increasing and pose a serious threat to the survival of the lion as they are easier to hunt than other animals &#x2013; such as the elephant or hippopotamus &#x2013; because of their scavenging nature, all the poacher has to do is set a trap with poisoned meat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways we can all help with lion conservation is through education and providing support for wildlife organizations that work to protect lions. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/bigcatswildcats.com\/lion\/lion-conservation-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Big Cats Wild Cats<\/a> for a list of lion conservation organizations and groups working to preserve and protect the &#x2018;King of the Jungle&#x2019;.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lion_Fact\"><\/span>Lion Fact<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite their depiction in <em>The Lion King<\/em>, the hyena is actually quite an intelligent animal and has been known to kill lions in the wild. They use their large population to their advantage and encircle the lion, outnumbering him, and take turns in attacking. <em>Sharing is caring, right?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a5298010\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" height=\"1em\" width=\"1em\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M448 360V24c0-13.3-10.7-24-24-24H96C43 0 0 43 0 96v320c0 53 43 96 96 96h328c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24v-16c0-7.5-3.5-14.3-8.9-18.7-4.2-15.4-4.2-59.3 0-74.7 5.4-4.3 8.9-11.1 8.9-18.6zM128 134c0-3.3 2.7-6 6-6h212c3.3 0 6 2.7 6 6v20c0 3.3-2.7 6-6 6H134c-3.3 0-6-2.7-6-6v-20zm0 64c0-3.3 2.7-6 6-6h212c3.3 0 6 2.7 6 6v20c0 3.3-2.7 6-6 6H134c-3.3 0-6-2.7-6-6v-20zm253.4 250H96c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32 0-17.6 14.4-32 32-32h285.4c-1.9 17.1-1.9 46.9 0 64z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People who ask, &#x2018;<strong>What are Lions predators<\/strong>?&#x2019; also ask;<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408060166\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_lion_have_any_predators\"><\/span>Does the lion have any predators?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, the lion has no natural predators per se, except for in some cases Hyenas and cheetahs, and, of course, humans.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408065625\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_animals_kill_lions\"><\/span>What animals kill lions?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Big-hoofed animals such as the giraffe, elephant, crocodile, and hippopotamus can kill a lion by simply kicking them. The hippo, for example, is incredibly strong and fast (faster than a lion) and can crush a lion with its sharp teeth. In addition, the giraffe has long, powerful legs that can break bones in its victim, as well as damage internal organs. They&#x2019;re not as defenceless as they look!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408074106\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_lions_afraid_of\"><\/span>What are lions afraid of?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Lions are afraid of any mammal larger than they are, including giraffes, hippos, and elephants. Some reports suggest, lions also live in a &#x2018;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/18422-lions-human-conflict.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landscape of fear<\/a>&#x2019; and are constantly stressed and &#x2018;on edge&#x2019; as they increasingly try to avoid human contact.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408082610\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the lion&#x2019;s worst enemy?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Humans. <\/strong>Unfortunately, humans are driving lions to extinction in the form of &#x2018;trophy hunting&#x2019; or &#x2018;captive hunting&#x2019;. It&#x2019;s crucial we seek out ways to protect these beautiful creatures and the first step is through education.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408090354\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_gorilla_kill_a_lion\"><\/span>Can a gorilla kill a lion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Perhaps.<\/strong> Like Kong and Godzilla, this match doesn&#x2019;t have an obvious winner. Both the gorilla and the lion have similar strengths and could go either way. Whether or not this was to ever happen in the wild, we would place our bets on the lion (only just) due to their predatory nature.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408099611\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_lioness_kill_a_male_lion\"><\/span>Can a lioness kill a male lion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Yes. <\/strong>The lioness certainly possesses the skill to <strong>kill <\/strong>a male lion. However, this would be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-us-canada-45947416#:~:text=In%20the%20wild%2C%20groups%20of,been%20filmed%20at%20safari%20parks.&amp;text=Wild%20male%20lions%20will%20also,alone%20with%20the%20pride%20lionesses.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rare occurrence<\/a>. In the wild, the lioness will <strong>attack<\/strong> the male lion as a form of self-defense to protect her cubs or territory, however, it will rarely end in death.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1620408108547\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_bird_can_kill_a_lion\"><\/span>What bird can kill a lion?&#xA0;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/list\/6-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-birds#:~:text=A%20frightened%20ostrich%20can%20achieve,lions%20and%20other%20large%20predators.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>ostrich<\/strong>.<\/a> A scared ostrich can be fatal. At their quickest, they can achieve speeds of up to 45 miles per hour and, like the giraffe, are capable of a powerful kick capable of killing the lion and at their worst, larger predators. Although this is rare. In any case, lions take note &#x2013; beware of the ostrich!&#xA0;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Question: What are Lions predators?&nbsp; As an alpha predator, the lion has no natural predators and sits comfortably at the top of the food chain.&nbsp; Lions get the pick of the litter, so to speak when it comes to food. They eat A LOT so will dine on almost anything, including wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes, &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"What are a Lion\u2019s Predators?\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/what-are-a-lions-predators\/#more-4607\" aria-label=\"More on What are a Lion\u2019s Predators?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4613,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[12,11],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/What-are-a-Lions-Predators-scaled.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4607"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4607"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4607\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}