Modern Weights and Measurements of Wild Lions

[SpinoRex]

Infos regarding the Homob Coalition by Gus Van dyk

Quote:In early 1993, I weighed three male lions that had been translocated from Etosha National Park (Namibia) to Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa). The three males were all from the same coalition, known as the “Homob” Males (a reference to the location where they were caught in Etosha) and each was branded with an individual mark (“C”, “U” and “V”). The lions were being held in a temporary holding camp of about a quarter of hectare prior to release and were fed whole carcasses while in the camp. I could thus say with confidence when they had last eaten. The three lions were all immobilised together and had not eaten for four days (they were thus regarded as having “empty” stomachs).

The largest male (Homob C) weighed 237kg and the smallest male (Homob V) weighed 222kg. I am unsure about the exact weight of the third male but recall it was around 230kg.
 
Because lions can consume so much meat in one sitting, one is never sure just how much of the lions’ mass in the field consists of stomach contents. For this reason, I found no value in weighing any lions in the field. The Homob C male was thus the heaviest lion I ever weighed.
 
I have not researched records of lion weights in any detail and have heard only anecdotes about exceptionally large male lions being shot in problem animal control or as hunting trophies. I suspect some of the really heavy weights reported have been animals shot, on a carcass, with full stomachs. This could easily add 20 to 30 kg to their actual weight (if not more).
 
I wish you success with your research.
 
Regards
Gus van Dyk     

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