Lions are the world’s second-largest big cats after tigers. Muscular bodies, powerful limbs, and their ability to work together make them the kings of the savannah.

But unlike leopards and jaguars, which are adept climbers, lions are primarily ground-dwelling animals. Their build is made for strength and power on the plains rather than agility in the trees. However, lions can and do climb trees under certain circumstances.

Where Do Lions Climb Trees?

• Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania: This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Visitors often spot them lounging on the branches of acacia and sycamore fig trees.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: The lion population in Ishasha Valley, located in southwestern part of Uganda, regularly climb trees.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The lions here have been observed climbing trees on occasion.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: Tree-climbing lions are a rare sight in Kruger, but they do occur.
• Lake Nakuru, Kenya: Lions sometimes climb trees in Lake Nakuru.

The reasons for this behavior are not definitive.

Some theories suggest that lions climb to avoid the discomfort of the ground during the hotter parts of the day. The heat can become intense, and the prevalence of biting insects increases. Climbing into the branches offers a respite from these irritations. Additionally, elevated positions provide strategic advantages. From the trees, lions can keep an eye on prey movements, spot rival predators, and monitor their pride members. Younger lions, especially cubs and sub-adults, may climb trees out of curiosity or playfulness, helping them develop coordination and strength.

Why Don’t Lions in Other Places Climb Trees?

Lions in other regions generally don’t climb trees due to a combination of factors.

In many parts of Africa, the necessity for lions to climb is minimal because the ground conditions are favorable for resting and hunting. The open savannahs and grasslands provide ample visibility for spotting prey and detecting threats without the need for higher vantage points. Additionally, the types of trees found in these areas often lack the sturdy, low-hanging branches that can support the weight of a lion, making climbing both challenging and unnecessary.

Climbing trees is risky for lions. Their heavy bodies make descending tricky, and there is a danger of injury from falls. Such injuries can be deadly as it affects their ability to hunt and survive.

Without environmental pressures like intense heat or rampant insect activity, lions in other regions have little incentive to develop this skill. Thus, the combination of suitable ground conditions, physical constraints, and lack of necessity explains why lions elsewhere typically remain grounded.

Observations suggest that tree climbing may be a learned behavior in certain prides, passed down through generations.

Comparing Lions to Other Big Cats

While lions can climb trees, they are not as proficient as other big cats.

Leopards

Leopards are expert climbers. They often drag their prey into trees to keep it safe from scavengers like hyenas. Leopards have a lighter build, more flexible bodies, and sharper, more curved claws suited for climbing.

Tigers

Tigers have the capability to climb trunks and branches with relative ease. However, as they mature, their increasing size and weight makes climbing risky. Adult tigers generally avoid climbing trees unless necessary, such as when pursuing prey or evading danger.

Jaguars

Jaguars are the third-largest big cats after tigers and lions. They are exceptional climbers, more so than lions and tigers. They often hunt arboreal or semi-arboreal prey like monkeys and birds. Jaguars also use trees to ambush prey on the ground.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs are not known for their climbing abilities. They may climb onto low branches or termite mounds to gain a better view of their surroundings but rarely venture higher.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are highly agile climbers. Their ability allows them to hunt by ambushing prey from above, escape threats, and find safe resting spots.

Snow Leopards

Snow leopards have adaptations that have primed them for navigating rocky terrains rather than forests. The high-altitude environments where they live often lack substantial tree cover, especially at elevations above the tree line. While they possess the physical capability to climb trees, their natural habitat and lifestyle offer little incentive to do so.