Lion pride

A lion pride is a persistent social group of lions, whose membership is a different quantity from the number of animals visible together on one occasion. Long-term association, movements and interactions help define the group being studied; a temporary observed party need not contain all its members.

The distinction matters in a playback experiment. A 1994 study played recordings of one female or three females roaring within the territories of 21 lion prides. The defending females' decision to approach depended both on the simulated intruders and on the size and composition of their own current group. Roaring could also recruit companions absent at the time of playback.^[ref]

For an original observation exercise, imagine a pride with eight recognized members, only three of whom are present at the start of a trial. Pride membership is eight; the immediately available party contains three. If two companions later arrive, the number participating changes even though the underlying membership record need not change.

Consequently, an analysis should specify whether social group size means long-term members, currently present individuals or active participants. Treating these as one number can obscure the relationship between group association, recruitment and a behavioral decision.