Social factors influencing reproduction in wild lions

The paper summarizes seven years of records of the reproductive history of two wild prides of lions ( Panthera leo L.) in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. These records are analyzed to demonstrate ways in which lion reproduction is influenced by their social group and by changes in that group. Females gave birth at any time of year; they did so sooner if their previous litter died. Females synchronized births with other pride members....