ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - B - THE LION (Panthera leo)

[peter]

The difference between skulls of wild and captive big cats is very outspoken, especially in the teeth. There's no question that the upper canines of wild big cats are both longer and more robust (wider at the insertion in the upper jaw) than those of captive big cats. I'm sure the difference between both groups is statistically significant.

Captivity, therefore, has a major effect on the skulls of big cats. For some reason, lions seem more affected than other big cats. When you see a series of skulls of wild and captive lions next to each other, those of captive animals, to a degree, seem to have collapsed. It's almost as if they have received a blow to the top of the skull, resulting in less elevation, more width, less elevation and superfluous growths all over the place. Skulls of captive lions also are much less dense and, therefore, not as heavy. There are plenty of exceptions, but this is what I often saw.     

In some months, when I have more time to post again, I will post a new series of pictures with captive and wild skulls next to each other. All skulls will be roundabout similar in size (greatest total length). I will also add measurements. Reply