Styx Pride

[Duco Ndona]

I think the perfect number for a coalition lies around 2 or 3. 


Having fewer numbers means that a coalition may struggle taking over a territory or defeating rivals. 
But if you go any higher, the social cohesion of a coalition begins to suffer. 

The males will focus more on the internal competition in the group rather than the one they have with the lions outside. 
There will be more internal fighting with the risks of injuries it brings. Members may wander off to avoid the competition, perhaps even take over prides of their own. Wasting away the numeral advantage they have in the process.. 
In fact, splitting is fairly common in large groups. 
Relying on numbers means that such coalitions has less of a need to develop extra skills or strategies. Making them vulnerable to have such tactics used against them. 
But also means that once their number drop from five to two, those two lack the experience and confidence that a coalition that has always consisted of two would have.

Offcource thats not to say that every large coalition is doomed to falling apart into obscurity. 
But even if they dont. Their size poses its own set of issues in relation to the prides they take over. 
A smaller pride may not be able to hunt enough food to sustain such a large group. Especially once the cubs grow older. 
That the coalition will be able to take over a pride whenever they want also means they may start to pride hop. Abandoning their previous prides for the mating opportunities that the next one offers.

Offcource there is also a lot of other factors in play. So in one reserve it may be closer to 2 while in the other closer to 3.
And ultimately. They are living animals with each their own cultures or personalities. So there are probably plenty of examples of duo coalitions collapsing due to infighting. Successful singular males or massive coalitions that function perfectly. But that is evolution for you. Always trying out new things. The only reason we have massive prides and coalitions right now is because a few panthers long ago were born less antisocial and realized that sticking together worked out better for them. Reply