Adult male lions are instantly recognisable thanks to their golden coats and thick manes. If you’ve ever read a lion story book, you’ll likely have seen a male lion pictured because the mane is a symbol of their power and majesty. But have you ever wondered what a lion’s mane actually says about them? Let’s take a look at its significance.

Maturity

A lion’s mane is first and foremost a symbol of his maturity. When a male reaches two to three years of age, he experiences a rise in the level of a hormone called testosterone. This causes his mane to grow and thicken, signalling to both potential mates and other males that he is entering adulthood and will soon be ready to take over a pride and compete for females.

At the other end of the spectrum, aging males often experience deterioration in their manes. The hair begins to thin and sometimes goes lighter in colour, showing he is no longer in his prime.

Health and fitness

Look closely at pictures of male lions and you’ll notice that their manes are not all the same. Manes are an indicator of a male’s health and fitness, being most lustrous while the lion is between four and eight years old. A study in 2002 suggested that female lions chose males with darker and fuller manes because they would make stronger mates and pride leaders.

The quality of the mane can also signify the lion’s access to food. A scarcity of food will make the lion weaker and can be reflected in the mane, which can become thinner. Similarly, an injured lion may temporarily have a shorter mane or even lose it altogether for a short time until he is recovered. 

Dominance

A darker and more impressive mane helps a lion to establish dominance. The mane becomes most prominent and impressive at around five to six years of age, when the lion is at his strongest and most able to win the leadership of a pride. He is also more likely to be able to protect his pride, winning disputes over territory and food.

Habitat

In some cases, a lion’s mane can tell us about the habitat in which he lives. Lions in hotter, drier climates often have shorter, less thick manes to prevent them from overheating. Some of the lions living in the Tsavo National Park in Kenya have no mane at all, which is thought to be an adaptation to the hot climate and thorny vegetation there. In their case, a mane would make hunting at heat regulation harder so it’s an advantage not to have one.

Discover The Lion Inside

If you’re a fan of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s stories you may have read The Lion Inside, a book about a lion and a mouse who learn to face their fears. It’s a lion book that teaches children about courage, confidence and finding your voice, and has been adapted into a wonderful theatre show for kids aged three and up. Check out tour dates and book your tickets to join the adventure.