Biggest Kaziranga tiger?

[Pckts]

And of course the mane protects the neck. It is not armor, it is not a game changer. Lions have been killed by other lions from wounds or bites to the neck/maned area, they have been killed by tigers, Proske talks specifically about a "large black maned lion who was killed by a tiger with one great bite to the neck".
Another account of a tiger killing a lion, the tiger was frustrated by the lions mane and couldn't get a throat hold so it finally succeeded in ripping a lions stomach open.
I am not trying to make this a L vs T debate. But just stating two accounts that show the manes capabilities and limits. 
The number 1 purpose for a mane, IMO is symbolizim. 
There is a reason the biggest blackest mane attracks the females.
But I have seen big black maned lions be defeated by young scantly maned up and comers.
The mane also is a heat magnifier, so a big black maned animal is not growing it for advantage in hunting or fighting, it is a sign to the girls that he is the dominate male and is healthy enough to support a huge mane. 

I don't want to derail this thread anymore, just so you pantherinae, we have tons of debates on the purpose of the mane on old multiple forums just like this one. You should check them out, and if you want to start a thread here, feel free.  Reply