Are lions territorial?

Lions vigorously defend their territories against intruders. Females established in a pride will usually spend their entire lives in such territories. Males come and go as they gain tenure of the pride or are evicted by a superior coalition of males. Each pride confines itself to a definite area, the main prerequisites for which are water and sufficient prey throughout the year.

Nomadic lions wander widely, in small prides of about three, but also single males, often following the movements of game. Resident lions remain in an area for a year or longer, or even their entire life. The latter show a high degree of territorial marking.