What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?

Apart from communicating with other members of the pride, which may be spread over a large area, roaring is a way to advertise the presence of a lion and the location it is at, and to warn other lions that the area is occupied. Lions roar in different situations.

They often appear to roar spontaneously, but they may in fact be replying to a distant call. Lions tend to roar more often during the night than during the day.

Roaring is more common on still, quiet nights, seldom occurring during windy or rainy conditions.