Asiatic Lion - Data, Pictures & Videos

[peter]

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKULLS OF INDIAN AND AFRICAN LIONS (males)

a) Lions and tigers

A number of years ago, I visited a biologist with an impressive collection in Belgium. After we had measured all skulls, we took a day to describe all of them. Although we saw differences between skulls from different regions, lion skulls seem quite uniform in many respects. There are, however, distinct differences between skulls of African and Indian lions.

b) Greatest total length

Pocock (1939) measured a few skulls of wild Indian lions. Male skulls averaged about 340 mm. in greatest total length. The ones I measured, belonged to captive old males. They averaged about 360 mm. I propose to settle for an average of 345 mm. for now.

Although skulls of wild males from South Africa average about 380 mm. in greatest total length, the average for all of Africa could be 355-360 mm., meaby closer to 360. The difference between Africa and India, therefore, could be 10-15 mm. in favour of Africa. Seen from the perspective of India, Africa has 3-5% in the skull department. Male Kruger lions have about 10% on the Indians, but they average 410-420 pounds, whereas male Indian lions average 350-360. Seen from the perspective of the Indians, the difference is 17%. One could say the Indians have relatively long skulls and be close, that is.

c) Structure

Compared to skulls of wild African lions, skulls of captive Indian lions have (significantly) longer faces. The os frontalis (the large bone on top of the skull) is larger, wider and heavier. The 'drop' directly behind the os frontalis often is much more pronounced than in African skulls. The occiput is smaller and, in particular, narrower. Partly as a result of the long face, the braincase seems to be relatively short.

What is seen in male skulls, is also seen in skulls of (captive) females. I also saw a skull of a wild male. Same story. l'll post a few photographs when I have time. Reply