Why do African lions form coalitions to control prides?

Male African lions form coalitions to increase their success in defending a pride and securing mating opportunities. Competition among males to control a pride's territory is fierce, and individual males often struggle to maintain tenure against rivals.1

Cooperating partnerships, typically consisting of two to four males, are significantly more effective at holding a pride than solitary males. These coalitions provide several evolutionary advantages:

• Increased Tenure: Coalitions are more successful at maintaining control over a pride, which is essential for protecting their position.1
• Reproductive Success: Larger coalitions are associated with a higher number of surviving offspring per male.1
• Defense: Coalitions help defend the pride against outside males who may attempt to take over. If a new group of males successfully displaces the current residents, they often commit infanticide against the existing cubs to shorten the time before the lionesses are ready to mate again.1

While small coalitions often consist of related males, larger groups frequently include unrelated individuals who join forces to improve their competitive standing.1