Lioness gives lion a loving cuff #lions #animalsightings #wildlife #animal #big5safari

4 reasons why lionesses cuff and swat at male lions when greeting them: 1 Establishing Dominance: Lionesses are usually the primary hunters and caretakers of the pride, and they have a social hierarchy among themselves. Swatting at or cuffing a male lion can be a way for a lioness to assert her dominance within the pride and remind the male of her status. This male’s face certainly tells us he knows who is boss! 2 Communication: Physical contact, including cuffing or swatting, is a form of communication in lion society. It can convey information about the lioness’s mood, receptivity to mating, and overall social dynamics within the pride. Lionesses use physical cues to maintain social cohesion and understanding among pride members. 3 Testing the Male’s Intentions: Lionesses may also cuff or swat at a male to gauge his intentions. This can be particularly important during mating interactions. By doing so, a lioness can assess if the male is in the mood to mate or if he poses a threat to the cubs or other pride members. 4 Reinforcing Social Bonds: Playful interactions and physical contact, including cuffing, can serve to strengthen social bonds within the pride. It helps maintain a sense of unity and cooperation among pride members, which is important for hunting and protection. So to summarise, lionesses are not merely aggrieved spouses - they’re helping to maintain the order and cohesion of the pride.