There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(07-10-2024, 10:56 PM)Tr1x24 Wrote: Also, theres no "evidence" that supports this theory that darker maned males are more dominant then blondish ones.
I also think this after watching many videos for so many years. I highly doubt the color of hair is related to test levels. Not sure where this "theory" came from and what evidence researchers collected but I've nnever seen blood samples taken from males and compared. I've seen blonde mane males like Haile from the Muguro coalition in the Mara beat out his darker maned brothers all the time. Mdogo, a darker maned, smaller maned brother usually got beat out by Osidai and Haile which both had lighter manes back in the day.
I think its more of a genetic and age thing. Now if someone takes blood samples and can show evidence ill for sure change my opinion on this.
(07-11-2024, 12:53 AM)Rabubi Wrote: There are studies that were conducted by Peyton West and Dr Craig Packer, experts in lion behavior and ecology, that indeed indicate that the more testosterone male lions have, the darker the mane becomes (of course, factors like genetics and age play a role but a positive correlation between mane colour and serum testosterone has been observed nonetheless
That "blog" reveals nothing, it just reafirms their claims to darker manes equal higher test levels. Although Packer is a great lion resaercher to my knowledge nobody took blood samples to confirm these claims. People shouldn't make claims like this, especially being a so called "expert". They should have evidence to back it up. Looking and watching lions can lead us to great and pretty accurate theories on most things but IMHO it's not the best idea to claim the "testosterone" theory without testing levels.
(07-11-2024, 02:15 AM)Mapokser Wrote: I agree with Rabubi but idk if the Mbiris are a perfect example of a lighter-maned male being more dominant. While there was a report of Shaka dominating Scar over mating rights of the Mayambula females back in 2018 or 2019, there was another one later where the brothers fought over the Skorro females, Scar won and chased Shaka off.
These, to my knowledge, are the only reports of mating rights fights between the 2 that we have, so it's 1-1.
1. There was also case when they try to takeover River pride and another one in Klaserie drift and in both those cases Shaka was mating hile Scar was left to watch from a side.
2. Regarding that case with Mayambula pride: Guides said in general that Shaka was more dominant, it wasn't single sighting in which Shaka just happened to win a mating rights.
(07-11-2024, 02:15 AM)Mapokser Wrote: I agree with Rabubi but idk if the Mbiris are a perfect example of a lighter-maned male being more dominant. While there was a report of Shaka dominating Scar over mating rights of the Mayambula females back in 2018 or 2019, there was another one later where the brothers fought over the Skorro females, Scar won and chased Shaka off.
These, to my knowledge, are the only reports of mating rights fights between the 2 that we have, so it's 1-1.
Still, we have footage of Scar mating with 3 Mbiri females at the same time while the guide said Shaka was still around, so it could be another instance where Scar was more dominant. Out of the 6 Mayambula males, I think at least 4 resemble Scar, though this doesn't mean much necessarily.
My impression - and that's only an impression - is that Shaka was more dominant earlier on while Scar became more dominant later on in their career.
My point was that the darker-maned male's dominance isn't set in stone
(07-16-2024, 04:31 AM)criollo2mil Wrote: Osindile - Birmingham male of the Mongawane
Credit: Tamara Schmidt, 2024.
What a stunning male he has become, and how big he is, he has finally filled into that massive body he has had since he was a youngster. Both he and Torchwood have turned into incredible looking males!
(07-10-2024, 10:56 PM)Tr1x24 Wrote: Also, theres no "evidence" that supports this theory that darker maned males are more dominant then blondish ones.
I also think this after watching many videos for so many years. I highly doubt the color of hair is related to test levels. Not sure where this "theory" came from and what evidence researchers collected but I've nnever seen blood samples taken from males and compared. I've seen blonde mane males like Haile from the Muguro coalition in the Mara beat out his darker maned brothers all the time. Mdogo, a darker maned, smaller maned brother usually got beat out by Osidai and Haile which both had lighter manes back in the day.
I think its more of a genetic and age thing. Now if someone takes blood samples and can show evidence ill for sure change my opinion on this.
Mane color plays a role in mating rights, doesnt it? Females prefer darker manes so naturally darker maned males are higher in terms of mating rights then blonde maned males.