Mature male lions like Cecil are larger than females and have a magnificent mane of hair. African lions tend to have bigger, more magnificent manes compared to their Asiatic cousins.Ĭecil, a famous male lion, and his pride in Hwange National Park in November 2012. The mane also protects the male's neck during fights over territory or mating access. The biggest and most fabulous manes are more impressive to sexually mature females and more intimidating to competing males, according to the San Diego Zoo (opens in new tab). Not only are male lions generally larger than females, but they also have a distinctive thick mane of hair around their heads that females lack. Compared with African lions, Asiatic lions tend to have shaggier coats, longer hair tufts on their elbows, and a longer tassel on the end of their tail.

Asiatic lions also have a fold of skin that runs along their belly, a feature rarely seen in African lions, according to the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (opens in new tab) (ALERT), a research and conservation organization. Lions tend to have loose skin hanging from their midsection, possibly to help protect them from the piercing hooves of their frantic prey.

In photos: The lions of Kenya's Masai Mara

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