What are the predators of lions?

Answer 1

Predators of LionsLions have a number of predators, one of the main predators being man. Lions are used for trophy hunting and hunted and poisoned by farmers who have lost stock to lions. Lions don't really have natural predators although in the course of hunting can be injured or killed by some animals they hunt such as buffalo, giraffe and zebra, who have powerful horns or hooves. There is a long association with lions and hyena who have been described as eternal enemies. Hyena and lion will each attack and kill the other if the opportunity arises, however they do not eat from the carcass as they would with prey animals. Disease from introduced livestock and domesticated animals can also effect lions.

Lion cubs are potential prey for hyenas, giant snakes, and Birds of Prey -- and of course male lions seeking to take over the pride.

Of course, death by the being kicked, thrown, gored, or stomped by an animal that sees a lion as prey (the elephant can do all of those) or being speared or shot in defense (which humans do) is not predation. One animal that can eat an adult lion is the salt-water crocodile. A National Geographic film shows a lioness chasing a zebra into shallow, but crocodile-infested waters. The zebra capable of keeping its body largely above water and legs on the bottom of the pond was able to get through with fewer bites. The lioness, with its low profile, was unable to protect itself from the crocodiles and disappeared; it was assumed to have been eaten. A lion would likely fare badly against a killer whale, salt-water crocodile or large predatory sharks such as the Great White which eat seals decidedly larger than any lion. Lions are mediocre swimmers at best and are highly unlikely to encounter any of them. I would make no guess about a walrus, elephant seal, alligator, bear, tiger, Komodo dragon, or anaconda not in its range. A large enough pack of dogs or wolves would probably kill an isolated lion. Note well that wolves and dogs hunt and kill much like lions.

Although lions are gigantic, lionesses are not much larger than humans and the largest breeds of dog. Any animal capable of killing a large domestic dog (which has obvious similarities of behavior and build to the Big Cats) as prey would likely kill a lioness, too.

A decrepit lion -- ill or crippled -- is likely prey for another predator.

A lioness in a pride is much like a dog or wolf in a pack -- something to be avoided by any creature that values its own life.
Lions can be attacked by hippos and crocodiles
Lions preditors are not animals but yet, people. People hunt, and sometimes kill lions just for their fur. The other big cats are hunted then killed for their fur too. This fur is used to sell, make money, and make products
Lions preditors are not animals but yet, people. People hunt, and sometimes kill lions just for their fur. The other big cats are hunted then killed for their fur too. This fur is used to sell, make money, and make products

Answer 2

Only the Nile crocodile will occasionally kill and eat lions that they capture in the water.

Answer 3

A lion is an apex predator. It has no predators others than humans.