African lions are currently limited to sub-Saharan Africa and the protection
of national parks and wildlife reserves in East Africa. Asian lions are found
only in the Gir Lion Sanctuary in the hills of Western India.
Males range between 300 and 570 pounds, females range between 260 and 400 pounds.
In 1975, three white lion
cubs were discovered in the
Timbavati Game Reserve in
Africa. The coloration of
these extraordinary animals is
determined by a single
recessive gene. Both parents
must carry the gene to produce a white cub and even
then their chances of being
white are only one in four. White lions have been rumored to exist for over a
century.
White lions ARE NOT
albinos as they have
pigmentation which
shows particularly in
eyes, paw pads and lip
color. The correct term
for their condition is
leucism, which is a lack
of dark pigmentation.
|
