Can Lions Climb Trees?

Most researchers will agree that lions can climb trees, but it only works with certain kinds of trees and requires a lot of effort from these giant cats. Curious about this bizarre phenomenon, we have taken a deeper look into the life and habits of lions.

If you think lions on high branches are unusual sights, you are not too far from the truth. Lions have good reasons to be in the trees, and we won’t delay the discovery from you anymore!

Lions Can Climb Trees But Rarely Need To

Lions have strength and courage, and living in what is called “pride” only makes them a force to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, they are not known for climbing as much as they are praised for their hunting skills.

Many researchers have observed and taken notes of lions on tree branches, though they don’t forget to elaborate that it is not instincts that come easily and not all lions climb. Lions will guide and instruct their cubs to climb, so you can occasionally see an entire pride on a tree’s branches.

As a result of the learning process, lions climb trees better than most of us would assume, though they might have some awkward moments trying to get back down due to their size.

Despite the ability to climb trees, lions usually don’t have any motives for putting themselves in such challenging situations. Other smaller felines need to hide their prey from rival predators, but lions are not afraid of a fight.

So, what urges the kings of the jungles to keep themselves off the ground? We are going to unveil the secret in the next section! A little head-up for you: Not every lion population performs this habit.

Love Lions, check now Collection: Lion Jewelry

Climbing Ability Of Lions Vs Other Cats

Let us start by making it clear: Lions are not physically made for climbing. Comparing them to little felines might be a stretch, hence the leopards with a significant size would be a fair comparison.

The professional climbers – leopards – are made with a lightweight body, broad & flat shoulders, and overall more agility than lions. They are powerful vertically and thus great climbers even compared to other animals.

You will find leopards sleeping idly on a high branch even, for they are physically adapted to climbing and maintaining balance. Not only can they climb trees, but they can also jump from one branch to another like it was the easiest trick to accomplish.

Meanwhile, lions have stiff backs in exchange for enormous forequarters, which means they are great wrestlers on the ground, even when the opponents are formidable and heavy buffaloes. However, it costs them their agility and vertical capability.

Tigers are another feline species famous for their speed and power. While they are not as good as leopards at climbing, they have more flexible backs than lions do and thus have an easier time taking themselves off the ground.

Another remarkable detail is that lions also have trouble getting back onto the ground, especially male lions since they are heavier than females. The pressure their limbs have to endure might end up dislocating their limbs.

Reasons Why Lions Climb Trees

The leopard cousins, well-known for their climbing skills, have to rely on tall trees to prevent hyenas from robbing their prey of them. Meanwhile, lions are perfectly capable of keeping their kills guarded from other hungry rivals.

It begs the question: Why would they have to go the extra mile and do something not suitable for their physical features?

The answer becomes clearer here: the conditions of the habitat and the lessons taught by the elders have led them to do the unthinkable.

Records from a conversation area in Zimbabwe pointed out that lions only hop onto a branch above the ground if they want to avoid something. Further observation showed them the reason came from a fly species, which can cause bleeding wounds and lethal infections.

In a Uganda program, the researchers recorded that lions sometimes use the trees as an escape from the heated ground on extremely hot days.

Also from Uganda, but the Elizabeth National Park provides another unexpected reason. Lions here have to share their territory with elephants and buffaloes – rather large animals in herds. When lions feel threatened, they will seek shelter on a high branch, where the huge animals cannot reach.

This height advantage will give them better vision as well. Although lions are aggressive predators and defenders of their territory, they wouldn’t want to step into an ambush of fierce hyenas and get outnumbered.

The doctors from Elizabeth National Park also noted that when it comes to comfort and safety, lions will be on the tree to avoid their destined pests, be it huge elephants or tiny insects. It eventually becomes a generational habit, and they sometimes find the entire family of lions in the branches.

Read more: Are Tigers Bigger Than Lions?

Types Of Trees That Lions Climb

Now that we know lions can climb but for good reasons, it’s important to note that lions need certain trees to climb easily.

African sycamore fig or umbrella acacia thorn trees have the easiest trunks to climb for lions because their branches are sturdy enough for the big lions and also not too high from the ground level. Therefore, you can conclude that a lion cannot climb too high even if it wants to.

With the right type of trees and compatible living conditions, some lions might even climb with enthusiasm. Adult lions will zealously teach the younger ones the necessary skills for climbing, and they can enjoy climbing as if they were leopards.

The Takeaways

As strange as it sounds, lions can climb trees despite the difficulties they might have to face. However, it is important to note that they have many reasons to do it instead of following their habits.

Being on a tree will help them escape unwanted pests and accidents, as well as get a vision of the surroundings like predators should.

Have you ever witnessed the wonder of lions on tree branches looking down at you? Don’t forget to share these exciting experiences with your fellow lion lovers!