The cattle most at risk from lion attacks

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Pretoria attempt to explain why some types of cattle may be more likely to serve as prey for lions.

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FAST FACTS

While young female animals may seem like easy prey for lions, there is safety in numbers, according to a new study.

Eighty-seven percent of cattle predation by lions occurs between dusk and dawn.

For reasons not clearly understood, cattle with mixed- coloured coats are more likely to be attacked.

When wild lions sneak up on a herd of cattle to grab an easy meal, the dice seem to be loaded more heavily against certain herd members. This is according to a study conducted by scientists at the University of Pretoria (UP). The study was based on 168 cattle deaths linked to lions in the eastern Panhandle area of Botswana’s Okavango Delta between 2016 and 2018.

The research, which was conducted with international collaborators, suggests that horn size, certain hide colours and patterns, age, and social behaviour all seem to play a part in whether a particular animal ends up being targeted. While big bulls with long, sharp horns may be better equipped to fight off a lion attack, the more social behaviour of female herd members can offer considerable advantages.

“Heifers are likely to benefit from safety in numbers, whereas bulls spend more time on their own away from the herds, rendering them more susceptible to predators,” say Prof Michael Somers and Dr Florian Weise, co-authors of the paper, which is titled ‘Lions prefer killing certain cattle types’.