Ecological drivers of female lion (Panthera leo) reproduction in the Kruger National Park

Ecology and Evolution

Kim Young¹  Paul J. Funston²  Nkabeng T. Maruping‐Mzileni³  Sam Ferreira⁴ 

[1] Cheetah Program Panthera NY USA;Lion Program Panthera NY USA;Scientific Services South African National Parks Kimberley South Africa;Scientific Services South African National Parks Skukuza South Africa;

关键词: conception;    Kruger National Park;    lion;    panther leo;    reproduction;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.5935

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract The role of social cues in the reproduction of social mammals, particularly carnivores, has been thoroughly studied and documented in literature. However, environmental cues such as resources of water, food, and shelter have been identified to a lesser extent. Pregnant lions (Panthera leo) are notoriously secretive during the final stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Behavioral indicators depicted by movement patterns obtained by remote detection of collared female lions in the Kruger National Park were necessary for the monitoring of birth timing. Over the study period, eight plus a potential three parturition incidences of collared females were recorded. Of the variables measured (step length, range size, duration, prey biomass, and rainfall), range size during the month of parturition was the most indicative movement pattern of a successful birth. By backdating the potential birth month of the litters, date of conception was calculated and our results revealed a correlation between the birthing peaks of preferred prey during the month of conception. Birth timing in conjunction with remote sensing and ecological factors were thus identified behaviors associated with denning.

【 授权许可】

Unknown