Basic communication

Lions are the most social of all big cats. They live in groups called prides, which can consist of three to 30 lions, depending on the region and availability of food. To maintain social cohesion and avoid confrontation with other prides, lions use a range of vocalizations, body language, scent marking, and tactile communication.

How Do Lions Communicate: Vocalizations

African and Asian lions (Panthera leo) use various vocalizations to facilitate interspecific communication. These calls can communicate intentions, emotions, desires, navigational instructions, and warnings between pride members and different prides. These vocalizations include grunts, roars, meows (when young), growls, snarls, moans, huffs, hums, and hisses.

How Do Lions Communicate With Each Other: Body Language

Lions also use a range of body language signals to communicate emotions and behavioral intent with members of their species. They primarily use their ears, tails, facial expressions, and body posture.