{"id":4665,"date":"2021-05-10T05:10:40","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T05:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/?p=4665"},"modified":"2021-05-10T19:58:28","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T19:58:28","slug":"why-do-lions-have-manes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturefaq.com\/why-do-lions-have-manes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Lions Have Manes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Question:<\/strong> Why do lions have manes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to popular belief, the male lion’s mane is not used to protect his neck from potential attacks, rather, the mane is a visual symbol to communicate strength, health and status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s learn more about the lion’s mane, its function, and why lionesses don’t have manes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The mane<\/a> has often been viewed as a shield of sorts to protect the lion during a fight with other male lions. However, this information is misconstrued. Male lions usually attack the back and hips, not the neck. Instead, the mane’s color and size serve as a signal to other male lions. Much like a male peacock shows off its tail feathers, a male lion will show off his mane to others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to some, the female lioness is actually more attracted to the male lion with a darker, fuller mane as it connotes physicality and serves as a symbol of strength. With the mane, it’s all about attracting the ladies. Although desirable, having a long and lustrous dark ring of hair can often be quite a nuisance especially in the unrelenting heat of the African desert. But if that’s the price to pay for health, good genes, and, more importantly, attractiveness, then sign me up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes and no. The majority of female lions will not sport a mane due to their hormones and an inability to produce testosterone which would aid in the growth of a mane as is the case with the male lion. Manes are also used to also attract females. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there have been rare cases to suggest the female lioness can grow a mane and scientists<\/a> believe this may have something to do with elevated hormones. In Botswana<\/a>, it was reported that five lionesses had grown manes and were showing male-like behavior, including roaring and mounting other females. Why? Well, some scientists believe this to be the result of an increased level of testosterone. But fear not because it appears that there is no risk to the lioness’s health and physical well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bridget, an 18-year-old female lioness at Oklahoma City Zoo, has been reported to have grown a mane in 2019 and local vets are still scratching their heads. Interesting, she has been mane-less for the first 18 years of her life and took under one year to grow the mane leaving everyone baffled. Her sister from the same litter has yet to grow a mane making the case just that more bizarre. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Lion’s Mane <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Do Female Lionesses Have Manes? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Lion Fun Fact <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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