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male cubs will be forced out by the age of two to fend for themselves. These male lions form a
bachelor group which will follow herds until they are strong enough to take on the male lions of a
pride. When these bachelor lions take over a pride they kill all the young and throw the sub adult
lions out of the pride. A male lion generally, only stays at the head of the pride for three years.

The lions’ biggest enemy is humans. People hunt lions to show bravery, for trophies, medical powers
and to protect livestock. Lions can contract several infectious diseases, like, Bovine tuberculosis,
Canine distemper, Feline Infectious Enteritis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Coronavirus and Feline
Infectious Peritonitis

Bovine Tuberculosis was introduced to the Kruger National Park by domestic cattle and has spread
northwards through infected African buffalo. Mycobacterium bovis can cause bovine tuberculosis in
lions and other animals but also cause tuberculosis in people affecting their lungs, lymph nodes and
other parts of the human body.
Canine distemper affects both free-living and captive lions with symptoms affecting gastro-intestinal
tract, respiratory system and the central nervous system causing seizures and deaths due to
pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Feline infectious enteritis also known as panleukopenia comes from the parvovirus and can spread
rapidly. Lions in Serengeti and Kruger National Park have shown infestation with this virus.
Symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting, depression, tremors and jerky movements especially in cubs.

Feline Calicivirus is known to attack domestic cats. It causes rhinitis, fever, lameness and oral
ulcerations and tends to be prevalent in high density populations.

Feline coronavirus attacks the upper respiratory tract. The virus spreads quickly with a high mortality
rate. African lions are susceptible to the coronavirus, parvovirus and calicivirus.

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