Introduction to lions Pt2: some unique characteristics
Body size
Lions (Panthera leo) are fascinating big cats with varying individual sizes. A typical male lion has a body length ranging from 172 to 250 centimeters and a body weight between 150 and 272 kilograms. In contrast, female lions are generally smaller, with body lengths ranging from 158 to 192 centimeters and body weights from 110 to 168 kilograms. On average, male lions weigh about 50% more than female lions.
Notably, lions’ tails make up 40 to 50 percent of their body length. Lions’ tails are essential in balancing their motions, especially when navigating uneven terrain or making sharp turns while running. Additionally, their tails are vital tools for communication and signaling emotions within their pride, according to Afripods.[1] Lions’ social behaviors will be further analyzed in the future.
Fig.1 A lion’s tail
Pattern and fur:
Lions have patternless skin and fur, whose color ranges from orange-red to dark brown.
White lions, which have been featured in multiple novels and movies, are lions that undergo leucism ( not albnism). It is caused by the mutation of a recessive gene which codes for coloration of fur. They are extremely rare because their coloration makes it difficult for them to camouflage and avoid detection by prey. In 1975, three white lions were discovered in Timbavati Nature Reserve in South Africa. There are also some rare records of witnessing white lions in Kruger National Park, South Africa. There is no record for black lions.
Fig.2 A white lion
For lion cubs, there are relatively dark rose spots on their fur. These rose spots may either be retained on the belly of subadult and adult lionesses or they may completely disappear over time. These spots may be evidence of their ancestors ‘ residence in forests. In such environments, these rose spots highly resemble the mottled light spots created by leaves and trunks, providing camouflage to help predators blend into their surroundings. This is the reason why leopards and jaguars still have these spots on their bodies, indicating an evolutionary connection between lions and these other big cats.
Fig.3 A lion cub.
Lions have black fur behind their ears, which can be seen from a distance. This trait helps lions to correctly and precisely locate hidden companions. They also have white fur under their eyes. Lions generally hunt in the evening, and these white furs help reflect light to their eyes, enhancing their eyesight in dark environments.
Fig.4: A lion’s face
Manes
Manes are one of the most symbolic characteristics of lions, representing strength and courage. More specifically, manes are the symbol of male lions. Manes’ color is highly related to Testosterone level. Young lions or subadult male individuals have yellow or brown manes. Some premature individuals may even have dark brown manes. As age increases, the color of the manes will become darker and darker, as a result of the corresponding increase in testosterone level.
The time when lions grow their manes varies significantly. On average, male lions start to develop manes from 6 months old to 8 months old, although some begin this process earlier. In exceptionally hot areas, this timing may postpone. The timing for manes to turn black also differs among individuals. For example, among the Black Rock Males, which is a lion alliance in Masai Mara, consisting of 5 male lions, Oloisiado’s mane first turned black, marking his full sexual maturity.
Fig.5 A male lion with black mane
The length and thickness of a lion’s mane are influenced not only by testosterone levels but also by temperature. In very hot regions, such as the Niassa Reserve and the Selous Game Reserve in Kenya, lions tend to have shorter manes, which help them regulate their body temperature.
Why only lions have manes but not lionesses?
Lions and lionesses have a specific division of labor in the pride. It may seem a little counterintuitive, but male lions seldom participate in the hunting process. Huntings are predominantly done by lionesses. Male lions’ job is to defend the pride from intruders and protect the offspring. When an outsider lion defeats a pride’s male, it often kills all the lion cubs. Consequently, male lions develop special characteristics to enhance their combat capabilities. Manes act as long and thick protecive barrier around the neck, making it very difficult to attack the neck and the larynx, which is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body.The thick fur can tangle with sharp teeth and claws, absorbing some of the force from attacks and reducing the likelihood of serious injuries to male lions.
Mane characteristics also indicate reproductive advantage. As I have introduced, the color and the thickness of the mane are closely related to the testosterone levels of male individuals. Testosterone levels generally determine the lions’ capability in defending and protecting the pride. Consequently, lionesses tend to prefer lions with longer and darker manes.
Reference:
[1] Miroslav Macák, Neubauer, J. and Kouba, M. (2009). Úvod do pěstování masožravých rostlin.
[2] Hunter, L. and Barrett, P. (2019). Wild cats of the world. London, Uk: Bloomsbury Wildlife, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
[3] Sunquist, M. and Sunquist, F. (2002). Wild cats of the world. Chicago ; London: University Of Chicago Press.