The biter gets bit. A male lion suffers from flying insects.
Sleeping it Off: A Serengeti Lion’s Afternoon Nap
On our way out of the Ndutu region of the Serengeti, we ventured off-road to observe a group of male lions. The late morning heat was rising from the earth, and the big cats were sinking into it. February marks the peak of the wildebeest calving season in Ndutu, a time of absolute abundance. The metallic scent of a recent kill still hung faintly in the air; these apex predators had clearly feasted overnight. Now, they stretched out in the dust, chests rising and falling in heavy slumber.
Unfortunately, their peace was shattered by a tiny, relentless foe.
The Misery of Tsetse Flies
Biting insects, particularly tsetse flies, inflict immense misery on African lions. A maddening buzz filled the air as thick, dark clouds targeted the lions' faces, eyes, and mouths. The insects were drawn to the moisture and bacteria left behind after the meal. Their sharp bites cause severe irritation.
To secure some relief, the lions constantly shook their heavy manes, blinked rapidly, and pawed desperately at their muzzles. In extreme conditions, this endless, twitching battle against the swarm drains their energy, leaving the cats physically exhausted.
This relationship is as old as Africa itself. Unlike humans and domestic cattle, many species of African wildlife have co-evolved with these insects. While tsetse flies carry the Trypanosoma protozoan parasite, wild lions have built up a natural immunity. The bites cause them physical pain and aggravation, but the lions never succumb to the deadly African sleeping sickness that devastates animals lacking this biological shield.
Savanna Resilience vs. Insect Aggravation
While the lions showed surprising resilience—appearing less bothered than we were inside our safari vehicle—even the kings of the savanna have their limits. When the persistent buzzing and biting become too much to bear, their survival strategies kick in.
Some will haul themselves into the branches of nearby acacia trees to catch a fly-disrupting breeze. Others seek out wide-open, windy plains where the insects cannot find the shade they need to survive. Those remaining on the ground practice mutual grooming, licking away pests from the spots their companions cannot reach.
Between the blinding glare of the Ndutu sun and the prick of unforgiving flies, life on the savanna can be demanding for these big cats, even when the hunting is easy.
Other African species also struggle with buggy problems. Have a look at this: “Bug-eyed Drama: Why Flies are Obsessed with Kirk’s Dik-diks.”
Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.
