Males in a pride may be overthrown as frequently as every 3 years. While both sexes will defend the pride's territory, the males are usually more aggressive. While pride members share a common territory and greet each other in a friendly manner when they meet, not all of the pride members may be seen in the same place at the same time. Pride members are often scattered over the pride's territory in smaller groups. The average size of a pride's territory is 40-50 square miles.
Territories are scent marked with urine, feces, and head rubbing.
Roaring may also have a territorial function. Claw marking on trees and other 'signposts' may also play an important role in marking territories. These nomadic groups tend to consist of young animals seeking a new pride to join. Defeated males will also join nomadic groups. While established prides generally stay within the confines of their territory, nomadic groups may wander and exhibit a tendency to follow the wandering herds of game.