We often hear of the moon affecting various animals’ behaviour. From the moon’s influence on the tides, which affects a wide variety of sea life, to birds and bugs using it for navigation, lunar cycles have an important impact on many creatures. But what you may not have read about in a lion book is how our satellite affects the behaviour of lions. Let’s delve into what happens on the plains of the Serengeti when the moon is full.

Hunting behaviours

The main impact of the moon on lions relates to hunting. When the moon is full, and during the nights either side, it casts more light on the landscapes where lions hunt. Since they primarily hunt at night and rely on stalking techniques for success, lions experience fewer hunting successes when the moon is bright, as prey are more easily able to see them. 

Indeed, University of Minnesota researchers found that the brightness of moonlight changed the way prey moved across the Serengeti, showing they were alert to how they could become the next meal when the nights were darker. Buffalo in particular venture further afield when the moon is brighter, safe in the knowledge they are more likely to see a lion approaching.  Meanwhile, both zebra and buffalo were observed forming larger herds during the new moon in order to protect themselves from attack. 

Another study conducted over a period of 21 years found that lion attacks on Tanzanian villagers were up to four times more likely to occur in the 10 days immediately following a full moon. This is because the lions were at their most hungry, having experienced failed hunts on their usual prey. 

Use of roads

It’s well known that human construction and habitation affects the territories and behaviours of wild animals. A study carried out in 2018-19 on the way lions interacted with roads showed some interesting results. It found that lions in Tanzania used and crossed man-made roads more frequently during the dry season and when the moon was closer to the full. The researchers attributed this to their need to travel further and more efficiently during periods when food is more scarce. 

Other behaviours

Aside from hunting and increased road use in places where humans travel, the moon is not known to affect any other aspects of lion behaviour. However, they may be less active during periods when hunts fail since they have a greater need to conserve energy.

Discover The Lion Inside

If you are interested in lions, why not head to London this April to see The Lion Inside read aloud? This charming stage show is based on Rachel Bright’s book about a lion and a mouse, and uses stunning puppetry to tell the story of how the mouse overcomes his fears and finds his roar. Playing at the Southbank Centre from 16-20 April 2025, it’s a family production that’s perfect for children aged three and up. Book your tickets today.