It's no secret that male lions have a gorgeous mane. She is the hallmark of this species, no other feline has anything like it.
The mane of an adult male lion is really impressive, the hair length in it can be forty centimeters or more. Admiring this decoration, most do not think about the significance of the mane in the life of an animal, but in vain, because there is nothing accidental in nature.
A chic mane is an indicator of superiority
A chic lion's mane is not just a decoration. It is of great importance in the life of an animal. The mane is a sign of gender in this species of the cat family. For a long time, scientists could not characterize the exact purpose of the mane. However, it turned out that even its color plays an important role in the lion's life. This is a certain attribute of the male, reflecting his strength, activity and sexuality.
It has been noted that lionesses prefer males with dark, lush manes. Research confirms this is no coincidence, as observations show that young lions try to avoid fights with such opponents. Scientists are convinced that the shape and characteristic color of the mane evolved precisely on the basis of reproductive advantages.
The mane gives an idea of the male lion as a breeder. In other words, a dark and lush mane is an indicator of high testosterone levels in the blood. Surprisingly, castrated captive males have virtually no mane.
All about the lion's mane
A lion's mane consists of several parts. The neck mane begins at the ears, covers the back of the head, neck and forms elongated areas on the sides of the head (baki). The chest mane is formed by an elongated hairline on the chest and between the forepaws. In addition, the abdominal part of the mane can be distinguished, but it is not present in all lions.
Even less often, elongated hairs develop on the lower lateral part. They form a strip covering the area from the armpits to the groin, and elongated hair may be present on the back of the forelegs. This part of the lion's hair is called the "lateral mane". In especially prominent males, a shoulder mane is formed that covers the back and the area between the shoulder blades.
The lion's mane is formed gradually. It begins to appear in males that are six months old. Over time, it becomes thicker and more luxuriant. Usually, the older the lion, the richer and darker his mane, so this decoration is a testament to the wisdom of the male.
