Transvaal lion
Panthera leo krugeri
The Transvaal lion , also known as the Southeast African lion, is a subspecies of the Lion that lives in southern Africa, including Kruger National Park and the Kalahari Region. It is named after the Transvaal region in South Africa.
According to recent genetic research, the extinct Cape lion, formerly described as a separate subspecies, is not significantly different from other South African lions. Therefore the Cape lion would have represented the southernmost population of the Transvaal lion.
The male has usually a well-developed mane. Males are around 2.6–3.20 metres long including the tail. The females are 2.35–2.75 metres. The weight of males is generally 150–250 kg, while the females are 110–182 kg. They have a shoulder height of 0.92–1.23 metres. They eat wildebeest, zebras, Cape buffalo, warthogs, and occasionally baby giraffes if their normal prey is scarce. Leucism occurs in this type of lion, but is quite rare.
There are more the 2000 lions of this subspecies in the well protected Kruger National Park. In addition about 100 lions are registered under the name ''P. l. krugeri'' by the International Species Information System. These animals are derived from animals captured in South Africa.
According to recent genetic research, the extinct Cape lion, formerly described as a separate subspecies, is not significantly different from other South African lions. Therefore the Cape lion would have represented the southernmost population of the Transvaal lion.
The male has usually a well-developed mane. Males are around 2.6–3.20 metres long including the tail. The females are 2.35–2.75 metres. The weight of males is generally 150–250 kg, while the females are 110–182 kg. They have a shoulder height of 0.92–1.23 metres. They eat wildebeest, zebras, Cape buffalo, warthogs, and occasionally baby giraffes if their normal prey is scarce. Leucism occurs in this type of lion, but is quite rare.
There are more the 2000 lions of this subspecies in the well protected Kruger National Park. In addition about 100 lions are registered under the name ''P. l. krugeri'' by the International Species Information System. These animals are derived from animals captured in South Africa.