Observing male lions in the wild is quite something. With their power, beauty and often majestic manes, one can quite easily see why they are referred to as the ‘King of the Jungle’.
Manes, however, are far more function than just fashion; communication, intimidation and protection are all part of a mane’s make-up.
One of the impressive Birmingham males.
First off – and fairly obviously – manes assist us when sexing adult lions. Fully grown males have manes (in most cases) and females do not.
That being said, there are cases of lionesses that have been seen sporting signs of a mane due to hormonal imbalances – one in particular in Botswana that became well known – and more common cases of males that lack manes. These are the exception rather than the rule.
Lions are the only cat species with such distinct sexual dimorphism.
Guess again. This is actually a lioness.
As males age, manes grow and darken, which critically makes the male look more intimidating. This benefits a male’s territorial prospects by ensuring that the young males don’t confront him in an attempt to take over his or his coalition’s territory. However, it is important to remember that manes grow at different rates due to the genetic makeup of different lions, as well as other factors like nutritional intake and stress, so the bigger and darker manes don’t always mean that a male is the oldest. Ageing lions based purely on mane size and colour is certainly not an exact science.
A Tsalala sub-adult runs across the Sand River in order to get its share of a recently killed impala. Notice the signs of a mane starting to develop. This male was around the age of 18 months.
Research has shown that the colour of the mane can affect mating behavior. Studies in the Serengeti have shown that females have a preference for darker maned males within a coalition. Darker mane colour has reportedly been linked with higher testosterone levels, which generally means increased aggression and therefore a greater likelihood of that male taking over territory. The Dark-maned Majingilane was almost always the first to mate with an oestrus female.
In my experience between the Londolozi prides and the Birmingham males, females in oestrus are quite promiscuous and will mate with whichever male is nearby, so there is not always a definitive answer. This may be due to the fact that there is less of a marked difference in mane colour between these males than there was between the Majingilane.
A male lion grooms his mane; with the dense fur, parasites and unwanted dirt can get stuck inside. It is important that a male uses his barbs on his rough tongue to comb and clean his mane, in order to keep it in prime condition.
When male lions fight, they sometimes go at each other face to face, battering with ferocious blows, so it is likely the mane also serves a protective function, but to what extent it’s hard to say, and this is probably an indirect benefit. Most attacks on males by maruading coalitions involve the antagonists trying to attack their victims’ flank and rear (not his head and shoulders) as this is where he will have the least amount of defence.
Two of the Majingilane fight for mating rights with the Sparta lionesses. With massive paws being wielded with almost supernatural strength, a bit of thick fur around the neck probably provides some welcome cushioning for males in aggressive encounters like this one.
The equally strong genes of dark, majestic and intimidating manes seen in the currently territorial males of Londolozi, three Birmingham Brothers.
Ultimately, the key function of a lion’s mane is an indicator of fitness. The combination of genetics, hunting prowess, aggression and simple ability to handle himself all play a part in determining just how a male’s mane will appear, and this acts as a sign to lionesses that tells of his potential to maintain a territory, sire cubs and then protect that area in which the lioness will raise those cubs.
Without their manes, male lions simply wouldn’t be as impressive. Would they still be called the King of Beasts?
Food for thought…
Interesting blog Dean. I can not imagine a male lion without it’s mane. In the Kalahari lions with dark mane are called black maned Kalahari lions. Some believe or assume they are a different lion species or have different genes to our lions. It is actually all the same species, although I do not know why they are darker. There is probably a scientific explanation that I have not come across yet.
Thank you for the comment Marinda, most of the colouration has to do with genetics. The Lions in the Kalahari are probably due t a string blood line from way back.
That is a great shot of the three Birmingham males!!
Thank you Kate.
That is a great shot of the three Birmingham males!!
What a good article, I remember seeing an almost white male with an almost white /blonde mane in the Mara but suspect this is quite rare.
Thank you Ian. Yes very rare, I stand to be corrected but the only living, wild, white Lions are in the Timbavati at the moment.
All food for thought…. since male lions grow manes to supposedly lure females for mating purposes, in addition to showing who’s in charge of his territory, it’s curious that the same mane does not exist within the remaining feline species, namely leopards and cheetahs. For the latter, it can be difficult to sex the individuals unless they’re side by side – usually males are larger. Since they scent mark, perhaps that also can deter interlopers. Needless to say it’s all fascinating.
I saw and photographed the female with full mane while spending time in Mombo Camp several years. He/she was enjoying a lazy afternoon with other pride members. Curiously, would a cat like that have an opportunity to mate? Or would her hormones be compromised?! The natural world of animals never ceases to amaze me!!
Extremely Fascinating, thank you for the great comment Denise. very lucky to see that female.
Dean, her name given by Mombo was Martina. Not sure what happened to her …..
Hi Dean. Very interesting article and some super pics as well. Thank you very much. I am particularly impressed with the pic of 2 of the Birminghams have a scrap over mating with the Sparta lioness. Huge amount of power there! Also – the impressive line up of 3 of them – looking very determined …. Thanks again. Wendy M
Thank you for the great comment Wendy.
Dean – Great article – I love the photo of the 3 Birmingham males. I only saw one on last trip to Londolozi in 2018.
Thank you Joan, yes to see them all together happens rarely.
Interesting final thought Dean, since your mane seems intact. Mine not so much, but then fortunately for me I found the lioness of my life when my mane was still in tact!!!
Thank you Bob, had a good chuckle to this comment.
Very interesting post!!
Thank you Callum
Dean, great shots! The one of the 3 males together is awesome!
Thank you Michael and Terri.
Makhulu of the Mapogo coalition had one the most beautiful dark mane of any lion I have ever seen.
why did the females start growing manes and how ?
the picture of the lions fighting is really good and are they fightning for a female?
Hi Moore, yes they were fighting for a female!
thank you
Verrrry interesting!
Great information and photos!