In their habitats, they are the dominant carnivores and will drive away or even kill competitors. Most lions will remain in the same territory all year long, but some are nomadic and follow seasonal prey. The pride is led by the dominant female, but when a new male joins a pride it will drive away the other males and kill any remaining cubs, to increase its genetic representation in the next generation. After a gestation period of 15-17 weeks, the lioness will give birth to up to six cubs. All of the lionesses in the pride share in the rearing of the cubs and the males may even be playful with them.
Lionesses do nearly all the hunting for the pride, mostly in groups or pairs.
They approach their prey by stalking until it is in range, and then rush in suddenly. Lions will eat anything they can catch and kill, and will happily steal prey from other carnivores, such as caracals or hyenas. The lion's diet consists of wildebeests, antelope, zebras, wild pigs, buffalo, impalas, and other hoofed mammals. In the case of a large kill, a pride of lions may relocate to a site near the carcass for several days.