Info needed - ferals and lion prides

[blackcat]

Oh, and I am fairly sure i remember a study having been done on the feral cat population at the Forum in Rome at one stage of the piece. Personally I think the best insight into feral cat behaviour in a group setting comes in in Paul Gallico's book (not Thomasina, the other one whose name eludes me...)

[Janeyk]

Teresa has me thinking there because although we have 11 here the last time I borrowed a trap I was given a pull type as Ann said all the others were out because they were busy trapping a feral colony of over 40.  Also, although we have the regular 11 I do know there are a couple of others which visit for food on the odd occasion and need trapping still but I very rarely see them (infact they may have been trapped by someone else now) and I presume they are eating elsewhere plus when ours disappear for a few days occasionally they may be eating on their patch?  Also, as far as I know our lot are all pretty close because often I can go out with food, call them and they will come.

[blackcat]

Lion pride behavioural studies might be easier to find by the name of researcher. For example the Born Free Foundation will undoubtedly have info on that sort of thing. Try googling that, or George/Joy Adamson (the people who initiated it).

[Teresa Pawcats]

Biggest colony I dealt with was over 200 strong but stretched over half a mile and sub divided into lots of smaller colonies, each would go into others territory for food. They were mainly females and younger more subserviant toms, there was 1 head tom in control of the entire 200 strong colony until he had his face ripped off and his kingship was taken over, dont worry we made him better. Toms who are not prepared to be subserviant but cant win the leadership battle go off elsewhere hence more females. Once that colony was neutered everything remained stable.
Worth remembering that disease does keep the size of a colony in check.
sorry for brief reply but kitten nibbling fingers

[JackSpratt]

MM, I have emailed a few people but to was trying to get a few statistics rather than basing it on one piece of info. I figured it had a better chance of being accurate. Am noticing a pattern form that females are again dominant in colonies as well as prides. Will compile info I'm sent.

Thanks guys it's all appreciated.

[Janeyk]

Inour feral colony

1) 11 total
2) 6 male, 5 female
3) not sure about this one

Don't know about lions
 

[Millys Mum]

Cant say iv noticed a pattern to sex ratios in feral groups, there were 7 queens and 4 toms (incl 1 elderly neuter) in my colony.
If theres more females to a group id expect that to be down to wandering fatalities as toms will go further to mate and encounter more dangers 

Colony size will depend on what food sources they have which varies greatly, some of the colonies iv read about in london have several hundred 

Unbelievably hard to find confirmed info on these questions, actually.

Thats cos those dealing with them dont have time to write it all down 
Try emailing CHAT...

[JackSpratt]

Unbelievably hard to find confirmed info on these questions, actually.

[CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls]

I know there are usually 2 adult males in a lion pride, with roughly 15 females. Dont know if this would be the same with feral cats as they arnt as fierce as Lions-so they may let more males live in the group.

I would say by watching TV shows about Lions, its always shown that there are territorial issues with another pride living close- they will fight for their ground ect

Sorry thats all I know 

Janey may be able to help with the feral side 

[Bazsmum]

Could you not find out online JS? 

[JackSpratt]

Random, I know! It's for my final case study.

OK:

1)Average size of a feral colony and a pride.
2) What is the usual male to female ratio in both a pride and a feral colony.
3) What sort of size is territory for a pride and a colony - does the presence of another
group make a difference in that particular area?

If anyone can help with this info, I'd be grateful.