Why Male Lions Kill Female Lions
Male lions sometimes kill females during pride takeovers. A new male coalition ousts the resident male and may kill cubs to bring females back into estrus faster, according to research on lion reproductive strategies.
How Often Does This Happen
Infanticide by incoming males is documented in several African lion populations. It is not universal, but when males gain control of a pride, they may attack or kill cubs and, in rare cases, injure or kill females that resist.
Outcomes for the Pride
After a takeover, surviving females usually accept the new male. Cubs that are killed are lost, but females that conceive with the new male can produce offspring within months. The pride structure may shift as the new male coalition establishes dominance.
