You might think that going on a safari is joining an animal habitat. But according to this lion, it also means they can join you! In fact, for this lion, the safari lodge pool is actually part of their territory and they can do whatever they want in it!
lion by the pool
Not what you’d expect to find poolside at a resort – but exciting nonetheless. The incredible footage was posted on Instagram by an African tour company. It begins with a full-grown male lion bending over to drink from a safari lodge swimming pool. With the caption “It’s kind of scary,” the photographer kept a respectful distance as the lion finished his drink. But will he be back in the bush? No, he did not! He wanders over to a comfortable-looking area near the pool, settles in and relaxes. That should keep some guests from swimming!
©Shawn Levin/Shutterstock.com
Lions and their territories
Lions are territorial animals. They prey on animals within the territory, possibly gazelle, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffezebras, warthogs, and several antelope species. Lions don’t care about stealing other animals’ prey either!
It is predominantly females who hunt, and groups of females (prides) work as a team. Once prey is captured, they share it with the males. Male lions also hunt alone or in pairs, but their main role is to protect their territory from other animals.
Lion territories can be smaller (15 square miles), but can also be hundreds of square miles in size. This depends on how much prey is available, and access to dens and water supplies. They are the female lineage of lions, with generations of females remaining in the same territory. Females will also join in the defense of the territory when needed. Larger prides are able to challenge smaller prides for their territories and take over resources. Perhaps the lion has decided that this pool area is now part of its territory – let’s hope it doesn’t spray it with urine to confirm it!
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
