Diurnal Vocalization Patterns of Captive Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) Persist After the Replacement of a Single Dominant Male in a Small Pride Living at High Latitude

Lions are the most sociable of all wild felids, forming prides that function effectively through robust territorial management, including cooperative defense and distinct vocalizations. Unlike the predominantly nocturnal patterns of territorial vocalization observed in wild populations, but consistent with sparse descriptive reports regarding lions in other captive settings, a small pride at Fota Wildlife Park (FWP) in Ireland previously displayed atypical diurnal territorial vocalizations. This study investigates whether such frequent daytime vocalization persisted at FWP following the introduction of a new male lion amidst a pair of established females and assess whether these patterns are influenced by their captive environment, particularly diurnal husbandry routines, rather than just individual habits or Ireland's temperate, high-latitude climate. Over 6 months of regular audio monitoring and behavioral observations during the gradual integration process, consistent diurnal and nocturnal vocalization patterns persisted from late summer through to late autumn. These patterns closely mirrored those observed from the previously deceased male, with whom the new one never interacted, suggesting an underlying role of constant environmental factors, rather than individual behavioral idiosyncrasies, socially acquired habits or variable weather conditions. These findings underscore the behavioral plasticity of these highly adaptable animals and highlight the potential importance of husbandry practices upon the expression of innate behavioral repertoires.