Asiatic Lion - Data, Pictures & Videos

[andeancat]

I think that is would be more useful if published this here instead of with captive animals because it helps gives us an idea to how large wild Asiatic lions can get.  This is my personal data, in collaboration with European zoos.  I thank all of those involved.  I am also in contact with Indian researchers.

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The weights obtained from European zoos of male Asiatic lions range between 150-190 kg with an average of 176 kg (n = 8).  This includes two estimates: without estimates male Asiatic lions weigh between 164-190 kg with a mean weigh of 179 kg (n = 6).  Female Asiatic Lions weigh between 122-146 kg with a mean weight of 133 kg (n =7).  This includes two estimated weights.  Using only verified measurements the average weight is 132 kg (n = 5).  This is an incomplete report and research is ongoing.  Those from Europe appear to be somewhat larger than zoo specimens from India which weigh between 160-170 kg.

Male Asiatic lions from European zoos are only slightly smaller than their African cousins and comparable to East African Lions.  Female Asiatic lions are approximately the same size specimens from Africa.  The data suggests that there maybe a lower degree of sexual dimorphism in Asiatic lions than in African lions.  This could be the result of inbreeding and lower levels of testosterone in Asiatic lions, but this is conjecture and research is ongoing.  This is a very early report and the final report will be comprehensive. Reply