Weights and Measurements of Wild African Lions

Greetings,

This thread serves as a platform for sharing and publishing data concerning the body size, including weight, height, length, and other relevant metrics, of wild African lions. Our aim is to compile a comprehensive collection of information to better understand the physical characteristics of these majestic creatures. Your contributions are highly appreciated as we work towards enriching our collective knowledge of the african lion. Together, let us collaboratively build valuable information!

Here are the general Rules:

1. Scientific papers are the preferred sources for data. Personal communications and videos are also permitted, provided they come from officials or scientists.
2. Always attribute sources or give credit when sharing information. Avoid posting content without proper acknowledgment. So, respect copyright laws by properly citing scientific papers and any other sources used.
3. Maintain a respectful and formal tone in all interactions within the thread.
4. Engage in discussions politely, addressing differing viewpoints with professionalism

 

Comparative Analysis of Body Size in Lions from Kruger National Park and Other Regions [1]

The paper investigates lion growth by analyzing data on body mass, chest girth, shoulder height, and vertebral column length for 344 lions in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The study found that growth in mass for males and females is linear up to about 36 months of age, with mean weights for adult lions (≥4 years) of 187.5 kg for males (n=41) and 124.2 kg (n=95) for females (adjusted for stomach content). The paper also compares body mass and chest girth measurements of Kruger Park lions with samples from three other populations, showing that lions from East Africa are smaller than those from more southern populations in Rhodesia, Kalahari, and Kruger Park.

Considering that the body masses and measurements of lions from other regions were collected by various sources (Zimbabwe, Kalahari and East Africa) the data for the Kruger Lions holds greater representativeness (only for southern lions, not for east african lions) as they were all weighed and measured by Smuts himself.

Key Measurements (Body Mass and Heart Girth)

- Southern Lion -

Kruger Nationalpark:

• Males: 187.5 kg (150-225 kg, n=41) empty stomach, 122.4 cm (107-134.8 cm, n=33) chest girth
• Females: 124.2 kg (83-152 kg, n=95) empty stomach, 102.4 cm (89.3-113.1 cm, n=86) chest girth

Rodhesia:

• Male: 193.3 kg (172-215.9 kg, n=26) , 125.9 cm (112.7-139 cm, n=21) chest girth
• Females: 133.6 kg (110-165 kg, n=23), 107 cm (98-117 cm, n=24) chest girth

Kalahari:

• Male: 188.4 kg (164-214 kg, n=11), 121.4 cm (114.5-126 cm, n=7) chest girth
• Females: 139.8 kg (127-153 kg, n=8), 109.2 cm (105-115 cm, n=8) chest girth

- East African Lions -


"East Africa"

• Males: 174.9 kg (145.4-204 kg, n=25), 117.4 cm (103-117 cm, n=8) chest girth
• Females: 119.5 kg (90-167.8 kg, n=15), 101.9 cm (96-106cm, n=9) chest girth

Factors Influencing Lion Size and Growth

The study suggests that despite considerable individual variation, the growth of lions is predictable and can be described by a few simple equations. It also indicates that both male and female lions from the more southern populations are larger, on average, than those from East Africa.

Explanation of body mass differences + Discussion

Looking at other studies it seems that the difference in body mass/heart girth is a not caused by differences in skeleton size but rather food intake.

The difference in body mass between lions from East Africa and Southern Africa can be attributed to variations in food availability and hunting strategies. Lions from East Africa, such as those in the Serengeti Plains, tend to weigh less compared to their counterparts from Southern Africa, like those in Kruger National Park. This discrepancy in body mass is influenced by several factors highlighted in the text.

In the Serengeti Plains, lions predominantly prey on common large ungulates only when migratory herds are present, and they must rely on smaller or less abundant large prey for much of the time. This limited access to large prey may result in lower body mass for Serengeti lions compared to those in Kruger National Park, where lions prey on resident prey, including various large prey species both seasonally and cyclically. Kruger lions benefit from a more diverse and abundant prey base, which likely contributes to their larger body mass.

Moreover, the text also mentions differences in cub survival rates between these regions. Serengeti plains cubs have relatively low survival rates, with approximately 66% dying by 12 months, compared to Kruger cubs, where the mortality rate is significantly lower, with approximately 0% dying by 12 months. This discrepancy in cub survival rates suggests differences in the availability of resources and prey abundance between the two regions, further impacting the nutritional intake and growth rates of lions.

Additionally, the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, situated directly next to the Serengeti National Park, exhibits a different scenario, with fewer cubs dying due to starvation compared to the Serengeti Plains. Approximately 33% of cubs in the Ngorongoro Crater die by 12 months, indicating relatively better access to resources and prey abundance compared to the Serengeti Plains. Furthermore, research by Dr. Craig Packer (4: pers. comm., 2022) suggests that lions from the Ngorongoro Crater have significantly higher chest girth (130.1 cm; 120-143, n=23),compared to those from the Serengeti and Kruger, supporting the idea of better nutritional condition and access to resources in the Ngorongoro Crater. This is significant because chest girth has been found to have a very high correlation with body mass [3], indicating that lions in the Ngorongoro Crater likely have higher body masses due to better food availability and nutritional conditions. Despite these variations in cub survival rates and food availability, the skeletal size, including shoulder height, is unlikely to be severely affected by resource gradients. Therefore, while lions from East Africa may weigh less than those from Southern Africa due to differences in food availability, the skeletal size should remain relatively consistent across regions, primarily influenced by factors such as age rather than food availability. [2]


[1] Smuts, G., Robinson, G., & Whyte, I. J. (1980). Comparative growth of wild male and female lions (Panthera leo). Journal of Zoology, 190(3), 365–373.
https://dacemirror.sci-hub.se/journal-article/9dfd4560d92ec93959e2752ccf0f4d82/smuts2009.pdf

[2] Ferreira, S. M., & Funston, P. J. (2010). Age assignment to individual African Lions. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 40(1), 1–9.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232688489_Age_Assignment_to_Individual_African_Lions

[3] Erasmus, H. L. (2008, November 1). Determination of some blood parameters in the African lion (Panthera leo). Determination of some blood parameters in the African lion (Panthera leo)


[4] My personal communication with Dr Craig Packer (Any usage of this personal communication should give credits to me)

 

Contraception, reproduction and demography of free-ranging Etosha lions (Punthera leo) [1]

The study conducted in the Etosha National Park delved into the demography, behavior, and reproductive physiology of free-ranging lions. It entailed a comprehensive approach, involving immobilization, marking, and sampling of 56 lions, coupled with behavioral observations through focal animal studies and group scans.

One notable finding was the stability of the lion population over the three-year study period, exhibiting a net gain of five individuals. Moreover, the lions exhibited robust health, with a striking 97% classified as being in good or excellent condition. An intriguing discovery emerged regarding the weight discrepancy between male and female lions as they matured. Specifically, male lions surpassed lionesses in weight significantly by the age of four.

On further analysis, it was determined that adult male lions, aged 4+ years, averaged 190 kg (n=16). Meanwhile, adult females in the same age bracket averaged 141 kg (n=17). The maximum weight recorded for adult males was 260 kg, while for adult females, it was 165 kg.

This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of lion populations in their natural habitat, shedding light on aspects of their behavior, physiology, and population trends crucial for conservation efforts.


- Body Mass/Body Weight data summary -

• Adult males: 190 kg (? - 260 kg, n=16)
• Adult females: 141 kg (? - 265 kg, n=17)

- Additional Information -

In an old forum, a former user named "Tiger Lover" carried out a personal communication with Dr. HuBerry. It was about the details of the male that weighed 260 kg. So his measurements and how much he had eaten. According to him, the lion had maximum 20 kg food in his stomach, Here are the details on the heaviest/biggest lion:

• Body weight: 260 kg (minimum 240 kg empty stomach, my personal estimate 242 kg based on my own fornula)
• Chest girth: 139 cm
• Body length: 191 cm (unknown if the measurement was taken along the curves or in a straight line)
• Tail length: 91 cm
• Shoulderheight: 106 cm (straight line)

Picture of the 260 kg lion:





- References -

[1] Orford, H. J. L., Perrin, & Berry, H. H. (1988). Contraception, reproduction and demography of free‐ranging Etosha lions (Panthera leo). Journal of Zoology, 216(4), 717–733.
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