They also steal kills and carrion from other predators. Lions are the only cats that live in large family groups. Each pride differs in size and formation, but a typical pride consists of two males and seven females and a variable number of cubs. When the pride hunts as a group they employ an ambush that forces large prey into the waiting paws of the males. Despite their tremendous power and adaptive efficiency, lions are more likely to fail than succeed in their attempts to kill.
Females mature in about two years, males a few years later.
All big cats are induced ovulators, i.e. release of the ovum is brought about by the act of mating, which explains the spitting, hitting, and roaring contest during courtship. The period of gestation for the lioness is between 105 and 118 days and usually three or four cubs will be born. Only one in five will survive the first year. When game is scarce the dominance hierarchy based on size and age quickly becomes apparent. The youngest die first.