History's most brutal killers, the Majingilane Male Lions

[peter]

(06-11-2015, 08:42 AM)'Majingilane' Wrote: Someone asked me to post this:"The Majingilane male lions rival the mapogo in savagery"

Now, while I don't care about his motivation, because he's just testing me, I wanted to know your opinion on this.
There is no doubt about the outcome of the rivalry between both coalitions, the Majingilane dominated the Mapogos in the long run.
But I think there is more than just this.
The thread is named in this way so, my question is: How would you measure the "savagery" of male lions, not only of the Majingilane but also considering other coalitions?
 

Your posts say you're interested in lions in general and coalitions in particular. You posted a lot of good information that was much appreciated. After continuing in this way for some time, you will become kind of a specialist. Ideas no doubt will come to mind. Your ideas about lion coalitions, I mean. This maybe is the time to start using them if you want to find answers to the questions you raised. 

Maybe you can get to an idea that can be tested in some way. Let's say it develops into a hypothesis about the reason for and the function of coalitions. Try to get as precise as possible, as a hypothesis is about the ability to use it for predictions. In order to get there, you got to read as much as you can. When you think your idea is accurate, it has to be tested. Try do demolish your hypothesis in every possible way yourself first. If not, others will. When it still stands after testing, the time for analogy has arrived.

Maybe you can learn a bit by comparing lions to humans or wolves. Humans would be my pick, because we also are predators in some way. Furthermore, we also have coalitions. What do you see? If humans get to coalitions in order to get to control, what is the object? What is the method used? And what happens when one coalition develops into a big and powerful entity over time?

When you're done and the hypothesis still stands, the time to contact the Lion Spirit has come. I mean Packer. They always ask him about chest girths and things like that, but most come up empty. The reason is Packer isn't interested in these things. He's interested in something else and my guess is coalitions could be a part of it. If there's one biologist who's willing to communicate about lions and theories, it's Packer. Talk to him about your ideas and your hypothesis. He's the best. Use the opportunity. 

You know my trade is tigers. I read everything available and know sexual drive is important. Same for lions, I think. Why is it things got out of hand in Sabi? Was a limit crossed? When humans get to unlimited power, everything can happen. In most cases, it isn't good. Complete civilisations have been wiped out by those unable to use power in a constructive way.

Maybe lions are not that different from us. Or the other way round. If young bull elephants get to unlimited power because they are not trained and checked by older animals, they could and sometimes will kill other animals. Lion coalitions are about power and control. Most coalitions consist of 2-3 males. Just suppose one has four young adults who survive all storms. One day, they will get control. Than a coalition of five pops up out of nowhere. They destroy the coalition of four and expand their kingdom. Then a coalition of six appears. Maybe they are not as powerful at the level of individuals. In order to get control, they need to stay together and defeat their opponents in every possible way. What we perceive as cruelty could be the only option for the six male lions. If not, it (total destructrion of their enemies) could be a result unrestricted power. If a coalition remains unbeaten, they could start acting in a similar way as we do. If so, the coalition of six might destroy their own world. My guess is it happened before.  

My advice is to give it a try. You're interested and qualified. The forum needs posters with good info, good ideas and interesting posts. You could even start your own coalition. We've got good lion posters. I'm sure they're interested. Good luck,

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