Male
lion close-up
The Mane Event
A mane and group living make lions unusual in the feline world. The combination
of these factors led scientists to theorize that variations
in the color and length of a male’s mane can communicate
physical characteristics to other lions.
Scientists Put their Hunch to
the Test
To test their hunch, scientists dressed stuffed model lions with different lengths and shades of manes. When a model wore a short, light-colored mane, other males were more likely to approach, or even attack the model. Females couldn’t care less about the length of the mane, but overwhelmingly preferred darker-colored manes.
Characteristics
of a "Fit" Lion
When the scientists analyzed their data further, they found that males with shorter manes were less healthy and made easier targets. In terms of color, the males with the darker manes were older, had higher testosterone levels, and offspring that were more likely to survive. All of this makes them more attractive to females. But as lions age and their testosterone levels fall, male lions can go bald!
Without letting out so much as a roar, the lion’s mane communicates a message about his fighting ability and his potential as a mate. Researchers on the Serengeti continue to study how lions communicate within their social group and with intruding lions. Their research helps zoo workers better understand the behavior of the lions they care for as well as helping to identify what lions need to survive in the wild.
For more fun facts about other great cats, visit 
Cat
Fun Facts
