Abstract

Aspects of behaviour of a small pride of African lions (Panthera leo) consisting of a five year old male, a four year old male and female sibling pair and a male and female cub, held in a 500 ha enclosure, were investigated at Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, southwestern Namibia, during winter 2003 and summer 2004. Due to their continued contact since birth, the male and female sibling pair developed a strong bond and spent 57% of their time together, co-operating and sharing resources. At the arrival of the cubs, this association did not change and as a result, the male was included in all the activities between the female and cubs. He demonstrated great patience with them and took custody of them when darting procedures took place. On two separate occasions, he secured meat for them and defended the carcass while they fed. This type of egalitarianism, alloparenting and auntie roles has been described for females of the same pride, but males have never exhibited such behaviour. The behaviour may lie in kin selection or may be for agonistic buffering, reducing aggression from the older male.