Global Warming Could Alter the Mane Attraction

Much like human females, lionesses fancy thick, full manes on their men. But unlike human males, climate is a large factor in how full and thick a lion’s mane will get, research published in the April 13, 2006, issue of the Journal of Mammalogy found.

The study, based on zoo animals throughout the United States, showed that up to one-half of the length and density of zoo lion’s manes could be attributed to temperature. The lion’s mane, which can hinder heat loss just like a wool scarf, is primarily used to attract females.

But being sexy comes at cost: it takes energy to grow and maintain a full mane, it can make it harder to sneak up on prey, it makes a great home for parasites, it catches on bramble more easily, and, as this study shows, it can make it harder to keep cool while hanging out on the Serengeti.

"Many variables interact to affect mane development in wild lions," said Dr. Bruce Patterson, lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Earthwatch's Lions of Tsavo project. "Several of these variables, including food, water and social groupings are controlled in zoological parks, where the authors show climate has a major effect on more development."

This pans out in the wild, where lions in the hottest climates have little or no mane at all. "This is the case in Tsavo, Kenya," said Patterson, "where most lions are maneless."

So, could global warming make lions with dark, luxurious manes a thing of the past as Peyton M. West suggests in his American Scientist article, "The Lion’s Mane"? Previous research has indicated that in areas of east Africa most impacted by global warming, lion manes have been getting thinner and less ostentatious.

For more information about Earthwatch’s Lions of Tsavo project and the scientists working on the project, visit www.earthwatch.org/site/pp2.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=1147599.