For decades, the iconic roar of the MGM lion has shaped how we perceive these big cats: a single, booming blast of power. But new research reveals that African lions ( Panthera leo ) actually produce two distinct types of roars, challenging long-held assumptions about their vocalizations. The discovery, published November 20 in Ecology and Evolution, could revolutionize how conservationists track and monitor lion populations.
The Two Sides of a Lion’s Roar
Scientists using advanced audio analysis and machine learning have identified a previously overlooked “intermediary” roar. Unlike the well-known, guttural roar used for territory marking and attracting mates, this new roar is shorter, lower-pitched, and less elaborate. While biologists understood lions begin roaring bouts with moans and end with grunts, everything in between was treated as one sound.
Now, by breaking down the roar into its component parts, researchers can identify individual lions by their vocal signatures. This means conservation groups may soon be able to count lion populations simply by listening – a critical tool as lions vanish from over 90% of their historic range due to habitat loss and poaching.
How They Cracked the Lion Code
The breakthrough came from analyzing tens of thousands of hours of audio recorded in Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park and Zimbabwe, including sounds captured by acoustic collars on lions. Sophisticated pattern-recognition algorithms identified subtle differences: full-throated roars follow a clear pitch arc, while intermediary roars remain flatter.
The AI-driven tool proved remarkably accurate, identifying roar types with over 91% precision in some populations. It even outperformed human experts in recognizing individual lions by their voices. This is one of the first successful applications of machine learning to interpret complex mammal vocalizations, expanding beyond birds, amphibians, and insects.
What Does the Secret Roar Mean?
The function of the intermediary roar remains a mystery. “We don’t know yet,” admits Jonathan Growcott, a conservation technologist at the University of Exeter. “Unfortunately, there’s no ‘lion’ option on Duolingo.” Scientists hope future research, combined with behavioral observations, will reveal what this additional roar communicates.
The MGM lion, ironically, is not a lion at all. The studio used a tiger’s roar for its iconic opening, proving that even Hollywood understands the power of a truly ferocious sound.
This discovery underscores that even well-studied animals hold secrets, and that advanced technology is unlocking new ways to understand and protect them. As conservation efforts intensify, deciphering the full complexity of lion communication will be crucial for ensuring their survival.
