When a pride of lions is taken over by new males, the fate of the females and their cubs is complex and involves several biological and behavioral responses:
- Infanticide by incoming males: New males often kill the existing young cubs in the pride, especially those less than 4 months old. This behavior, known as infanticide, brings the females back into estrus sooner, allowing the new males to sire their own offspring more quickly. Females that lose their cubs at a takeover typically conceive again about 4.4 months after the loss, accelerating the reproductive cycle in favor of the new males
- Female reproductive synchronization: The takeover synchronizes the reproductive states of the females, meaning many females come into estrus around the same time, increasing the chances for the new males to mate and propagate their genes
- Female strategies to cope: Some females may enter a state called "pseudo-oestrus," a hormonal condition that does not lead to pregnancy but serves as a distraction tactic to protect their cubs or confuse paternity. This can help some cubs survive by making it unclear which male fathered them, encouraging the new males to tolerate those cubs
- Female pride membership and dispersal: Adult females are usually related and form the stable core of the pride, often staying in their natal territory for life. After a takeover, females with cubs older than about three months may be accepted back into the pride, but cubs that were protected away during the takeover may be rejected upon return, sometimes leading to the formation of new prides
- Female role and pride structure: Females collectively defend the pride's territory and are the main hunters and caregivers. While males defend the pride from rivals, the females are the social core and maintain the pride's continuity across generations. Male tenure is relatively short, and their role is more about protection and reproduction than leadership in the way humans think of it
In summary, after a takeover by new males, females often lose their young cubs due to infanticide but quickly return to fertility to mate with the new males. They may use behavioral adaptations to protect some offspring, and the social structure remains matriarchal with females as the stable pride core. Some females and cubs may leave or be forced out, potentially founding new prides elsewhere. This cycle ensures genetic turnover and pride stability over time.
