The number of lions in a pride will vary significantly based on the number of prey animals that live or migrate through the pride's territory. A pride of lions will live in a territory that they will defend from other lions. Lions identify their territory by roaring loudly or by physically scent marking trees or rocks outcrops. While female lions will hunt and kill most of the animals for the pride to eat, male lions are around primarily to defend the territory from other lion prides or nomadic male lions. Competition from humans for grassland has led to a drastic reduction in the lion's range.
Lions now survive in greatest number where humans are scarce.
Licensed hunting for sport continues in some areas, but the lion is protected in national parks such as the Masai Mara in Kenya.