Male lions mock-mating
“Pseudomating,” or “mock-mating,” observed between pride or coalition males, is not a sexual act but rather a behavioural display of dominance and reinforcement of social hierarchy. When one male mounts another, it serves as a clear signal of authority, allowing the dominant male to assert his position within the group's social structure.
Although this behaviour may resemble mating, it functions solely as a visual cue to establish or affirm rank among males within the pride or coalition.