Is lion cub mortality high?

Cubs are subjected to a variety of mortality factors, and only about half of all cubs grow to adulthood. Of those that die before adulthood, about a quarter are killed by adult lions or other predators.

Cubs must compete with the rest of the pride members for food at a kill. In times of food scarcity, many cubs die of starvation. Lionesses sometimes abandon their cubs for unknown reasons, and starving cubs too weak to walk are usually left to their fate. Cubs that become separated from their mother usually either starve to death of fall prey to other predators.

Diseases and parasites take their toll, and bush fires, snakes and even ants attacking newborn cubs can account for a number of mortalities.