Meet the tree-climbing lions of East Africa

The phrase ‘tree climbing lions’ seems a little unusual to those who have never seen this peculiar behaviour.  Many animal behaviourists also agree that even with evolution lions are not adapted to scale trees and perch atop branches. In fact, this is so rare that there are only two documented residents of tree climbing lions on the planet which have been noted.

While witnessing a leopard sleeping lazily on trees is a common sight during, this strange behaviour demonstrated by lions has been the subject of interest and curiosity by many.

Where to observe this behaviour

Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park are two national parks in southern Tanzania where one can spot the elusive tree-climbing lions. One of such group is also found tucked deep in Queen Elizabeth National Park of Western Uganda.

Both the countries are in East Africa, although there have been a few sightings in Kruger National Park of South Africa safari where a group of lions are exhibiting a similar affinity towards tree.

What the experts say

Some experts believe that the Lions climb trees as a behavioural adaptation to protect themselves from the continuous irritation from insect bites while lazing on the ground. While others claim that these lions have perfected the art of climbing trees to escape from the sweltering heat on ground level. 

This way, they can enjoy blissful nap and cool breeze without worrying about what’s happening on the ground around them. Moreover, this position is an excellent viewing platform to observe the movement of any prey that can be grazing nearby.

See it for yourself

A visit to Lake Manyara Park or Tarangire National Park in Tanzania will not only reward you with the beautiful views of the landscape but also with a chance to spot the exceptional tree-climbing lions. For example, in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the lions can be seen atop fig tree branches. From these pots they can keenly spot the peacefully grazing antelopes, gazelles, and impalas who are the main prey of these tree-loving lions.

It would be amazing if you get to catch a glimpse of a rare spectacle of a lion gently and carefully moving around on a tree branch before pouncing on the ground. They are usually a bit awkward and have almost unnatural hesitance with which they exhibits this which is in sharp contrast to the swiftness and ease that is demonstrated by a leopard. 

Whatever would be the reason for them to show the art of effectively scaling trees – especially for older lions – this definitely calls for a measure of effort with constant practice. Fortunately, like any skill you acquire is hard to perfect, the more these lions continue to climb the trees, the more adept they become at it.