Why do Lions Have Manes?

The first detail to remember about lions is that only the male of the species has a mane, the large mass of dark hair that surrounds a lion’s head. In the usual pattern of lion society, a strong and aggressive male dominates the pride (the name for a group of lions). This family of lions is protected by the dominant male, sometimes with help from other males.

A mane does help the male lion appear to be larger and more imposing when lions from another group approach. This is sometimes enough to keep the intruding lions at bay. While male lions certainly are strong enough to engage in fighting if necessary they often avoid this by posturing – standing or walking in certain ways, roaring in a certain way and by simply appearing large and strong. A full, dark mane is one of the keys in this process.

In addition, if the confrontation does progress to fighting, the thick mane can help protect the head and upper part of the body from bites and scratches. These two “reasons” for a mane are part of the general knowledge gathered by those who study lions on a regular basis. But the research continues, not only through simple observation and careful notes, but through closer inspection of the hair from a lion’s mane.

No other member of the cat family has a mane. But there is another key fact about lions that most people don’t think about. They are the only cat that lives in a true family/social network. Tigers may associate for short periods of time but they don’t generally live in well-defined groups as lions do. Manes may be one way that lions identify each other, within the pride and from one family to another.

Scientists have been studying the function of the mane for at least 200 years. One result of this careful study is the identification of the mane as a way to choose appropriate mates for continuing the species. In this theory, the large, healthy male will have a full mane that females can use to identify him as a perfect mate. Other male lions will recognize this male as someone not to be crossed, especially when it comes to mating with females in the area.

As mentioned earlier, the thick mane may also protect a male lion’s head and neck during fighting. This allows the well-protected male to survive and continue the species with its strong genes. Scientists theorize that male lions have developed thick, healthy hair around the head and neck as a major step in their evolution. If this is the case, then a lion’s mane is the primary signal for other lions that can recognize the strongest, healthiest leader of the pride.

In fact, some scientists and big-cat enthusiasts have actually used models of male lions in field experiments to test this theory. The tests showed that male lions would come closer to a smaller lion with a lighter, less-imposing mane but avoided the larger model lion with a full, dark mane. The message was clear: If I have a large, full mane, keep your distance!