Biggest Lion
The Biggest Lion: Is It A Newly Discovered Subspecies?
Universally accepted as the biggest lion on earth, the Barbary Lion suffers low numbers and risks extinction. When DNA testing was done by scientists to isolate the specific gene blueprint for each of the then 9 subspecies of lions, it was discovered that the each lion native to the African continent had the exact DNA as the next. The Asiatic Lion has his very own set of DNA as well, and it differs greatly from that of the African Lion. This left us with only two distinct subspecies of lions, but the Barbary Lion was not tasted against the others for genetic consistency.
The biggest lion, or Barbary Lion, can reach an astronomical 630 pounds, whereas the standard male African Lion is pressing the limit at 430 pounds. The scientific findings, however, suggest that the only determining factor for the distinguishable character differences of the lions in Africa is the region to which they are native. Aside from the rainforests and jungles, where the lion cannot and will not survive, he can call even the most barren and arid climates home. The Timbavati region, for instance, is famous for its white lions, but the science clearly states that his genetic blueprint is identical to that of the tawny colored lions to the west.
The biggest lions in captivity today are being observed and tested on a regular basis, though a cross DNA test between this Barbary and his smaller replica has not been scheduled to date. All other behaviors and characteristics are reportedly the same, however, from mating to litter size to the development and coloration of the male mane. It is possible that the biggest lions live in a territory where game is more sizeable than elsewhere. On the flip side of the coin, the biggest lions may get away with being more cumbersome and sluggish if the hunting in their native region is plentiful and easy.
The biggest lions of yesterday are a thing of legend and beauty, so heavily desirable that they were completely wiped out within 20 years of their overblown popularity. They called him the Numidian Lion, and he was rumored the most majestic and fierce lion of them all. The last male of the legendary subspecies was gunned down for a trophy in the 1930’s. He was native to the northern tip of Africa, which is now completely void of all lions. The densest population of humans now resides where once the king of beasts ruled the vast wilderness. Though there is no scientific proof of his superiority in size and beauty over his surviving family members, the biggest lions to ever roam the earth were lions just the same.