Lions are known for their ꜰᴇᴀʀʟᴇss and robust nature. Still, even these majestic beasts are not immune to the annoyance of insects. In fact, during the hot summer, lions are often plagued by swarms of biting flies that can cause ɪʀʀɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ and even ɪɴꜰᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. To escape the relentless buzzing and bite of these pesky insects, a pride of lions in Tanzania has developed an unusual behavior – seeking refuge in the branches of trees.
This phenomenon was first observed by biologist and National Geographic explorer Nathan Varley while on a safari in the Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. Varley noticed a group of lions, including two adult females and several cubs, resting in the branches of an acacia tree. At first, he thought they were seeking shade from the scorching sun. Still, as he got closer, he realized that they were trying to escape the swarms of biting flies that were ᴛᴏʀᴍᴇɴᴛɪɴɢ them.
According to Varley, it is likely a learned behavior passed down from generation to generation. The Tarangire National Park is home to a large population of lions. The flies that plague them during the summer months are a well-known nuisance. Over time, the lions may have learned that seeking refuge in the trees is an effective way to escape the flies and avoid their constant biting and buzzing.
While this behavior may seem like a clever solution to a frustrating problem, it has ʀɪsᴋs. Climbing trees is not natural for lions, and it puts them in a ᴠᴜʟɴᴇʀᴀʙʟᴇ position. If a predator, such as a hyena or a pack of wild dogs, were to come upon a group of lions in a tree, they would be easy prey. Additionally, if the lions were to fall from the tree, they could be sᴇʀɪᴏᴜsʟʏ ɪɴᴊᴜʀᴇᴅ or even ᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ.
Despite these ʀɪsᴋs, the pride of lions in Tanzania continues to seek refuge in the trees during the fly season. It is a fascinating example of how animals can adapt and evolve to cope with the challenges of their environment. And it serves as a reminder that even the mightiest creatures can be brought down by something as small and seemingly insignificant as a fly.
Thank you for visiting our website! We hope you find something of interest on our website. Watch the full video here: