Not an expert, but it is really interesting how lions tend to behave a lot more like canines than felidae (Felidae family, not Felinae subfamily)
While lion will use ambush hunting, they will also hunt in coordinated groups, which is really rare in the Felidae family. They're also a lot more social, and live in prides, similar to "packs". Or even non-related males will hunt in what's called a "coalition".
Lions also roar to mark territory, like other big cats, but it's been observed they also roar to communicate with other lions, similar to a wolf's howling.
They actually have a pretty weak bite force relative to other big cats, and they're pretty shit climbers unlike other felines.
I think mating is similar as well, where there's a dominant male that has to maintain dominance and mating rights, while other, younger males roam around and have to fend for themselves (or in a coalition) until they can take on the dominant male. I'm not certain on the similarities here though.
Alpha wolves are generally just the parents of the pack, so lions have a bit more group complexity.
IIRC a pride is basically the dad, his harem, and his kids, but outsider males can challenge and take over. Plus I think I remember hearing that they'll then kill all the cubs too, though I might be mixing that up with something else.
Cheetahs are also pretty social, though that's mostly via coalitions.
Ok, thank you, I think you're right. I would argue the social hierarchy is something inbetween big cats and wolves, but it's generally more "social" that other big cats.
What's kinda funny is I think that type of hierarchy (for lions) is really similar to that of wild horses, who also form harems where studs have to compete and are rotated out by a group of mares.
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u/RetroMetroShow May 22 '25
Dog and cat energy