horizontallytall
"Every cope has an end ":psalm 14:3
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When a lion is in good health, eating well, not sick, and not under stress its mane will be far longer, thicker and even darker. But, when stressed or not eating well it can fall out almost all together & potentially lighten.
Dark maned lions are proven to have higher testosterone, higher levels of aggression, verility, and the lions share of lionnesses attention. Which contributes to the reality that manes are a visual symbol more than anything else-such as protection of their throat.
Scientists did a number of tests on lionesses reaction to mane colors & when introduced to a black mane male, she literally chased it & the truck it was in to get a shot with it. She completely ignores golden maned lions. This may be in part because black manes are definitely in their prime and not a sub-adult, or inexperienced male.
Other males react just as strongly to black manes. When they see a lighter maned lion, they will confront and attack. However, if its a dark maned lion even two males may not approach. Suggesting one dark maned lion is more threatening than two lighter maned lions. Again, bc this indicates age, experience and aggression. Which is probably part of why females are so attracted to them. If the mere sight of dark manes frightens other males, their cubs have a greater chance of survival. & bc its linked to aggression, theres a greater chance he will fight to protect cubs vs flee. Lastly, virility suggests there's a higher probability the female will conceive with each mating & not waste an estrus cycle.
Dark maned lions are proven to have higher testosterone, higher levels of aggression, verility, and the lions share of lionnesses attention. Which contributes to the reality that manes are a visual symbol more than anything else-such as protection of their throat.
Scientists did a number of tests on lionesses reaction to mane colors & when introduced to a black mane male, she literally chased it & the truck it was in to get a shot with it. She completely ignores golden maned lions. This may be in part because black manes are definitely in their prime and not a sub-adult, or inexperienced male.
Other males react just as strongly to black manes. When they see a lighter maned lion, they will confront and attack. However, if its a dark maned lion even two males may not approach. Suggesting one dark maned lion is more threatening than two lighter maned lions. Again, bc this indicates age, experience and aggression. Which is probably part of why females are so attracted to them. If the mere sight of dark manes frightens other males, their cubs have a greater chance of survival. & bc its linked to aggression, theres a greater chance he will fight to protect cubs vs flee. Lastly, virility suggests there's a higher probability the female will conceive with each mating & not waste an estrus cycle.
