The lion possesses two primary forms of hair covering: the short fur covering its body and the long hair unique to the male’s neck and chest. While the general term for a mammal’s coat applies to the lion’s entire body hair, the growth around the male’s head holds an iconic name. To correctly identify a lion’s hair, it is necessary to differentiate between these two types of hair growth, each with its own terminology and biological role.
Terminology for the Lion’s Coat
The short fur covering the lion’s body is scientifically known as the pelage, or more commonly, the coat. This hair is short and dense, typical of mammals in warmer climates. The coat’s coloration ranges across shades of yellow, brown, and orange-brown, providing effective camouflage in the dry grasslands and savannas where lions hunt.
The tawny coloring allows the lion to blend with the environment for stalking prey undetected. The coat’s exact shade is influenced by geographic location; lions in hotter regions often have lighter coats. Lion cubs are born with a mottled coat and spots that help hide them from predators, a pattern that fades as they mature.
The King’s Crown: The Lion’s Mane
The most recognized hair on a lion is the mane, a dense, long growth found exclusively on the neck, shoulders, and chest of the adult male. This feature is a classic example of sexual dimorphism, a physical difference between the sexes, as lionesses do not grow a mane. The mane begins to develop when the male reaches sexual maturity around two to three years of age, driven by increased testosterone levels.
The mane’s primary function is signaling the male’s fitness, rather than protection, though it may offer some cushioning during fights. Longer manes are interpreted by rival males as a sign of fighting prowess, making them intimidating to approach. The darkness of the mane, which ranges from blonde to black, is an important signal to females.
A darker mane correlates with higher testosterone levels and better nutritional status, signaling to lionesses a superior mate. Studies have shown that females are more attracted to males with darker manes. Manes tend to darken with age, reaching maximum length and color around five to six years old, indicating a mature male.
Growing a large, dark mane comes with a biological cost. Darker-maned males absorb more solar radiation, leading to higher body temperatures. This can negatively affect sperm quality and reduce their ability to hunt during the hottest parts of the day. Lions in hotter environments, such as those in Kenya’s Tsavo region, tend to have lighter or even maneless appearances, illustrating how climate limits this trait’s expression.