What is the difference between the African Lion and the White Lion?
The White Lion (Panthera leo) is a feline, or felid, mammal – a wild cat. It is different from the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), but it is more similar to the African Lion.
The White Lion is not albino. It is leucistic, which means that it has reduced colouring, but not complete albinism. An animal that is albino lacks colour and has pink eyes. A leucistic animal does not have pink eyes.
male African Lion (left), male Asiatic Lion (middle), male White Lion (right)
The African Lion is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. The White Lion is native to the Timbavati region in South Africa.
It measures 170-258 centimetres (67-102 inches) in length. The female lion, called a lioness, is slightly smaller than the male, with no mane.
The White Lion lives in small prides of 2-15 individuals.
The lioness is pregnant for 100-120 days before she give birth to 3-4 live young, called cubs.
female African Lion (left) and female White Lion (right)
White Lion (female)
White Lion (female)
White Lion (male)
White Lion (female)
White Lion (male)
White Lion (male)
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM