IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Eloff, F.C. | |
| Ecology and behavior of the Kalahari lion | |
| 1973 Conference Proceeding | |
The Kalahari lion is paler in color than its black-maned counterpart in the eastern section of South Africa, Panthera leo krugeri. This color difference appears to be the only morphological characteristic on which the sub-species verayi is retained. Although this is generally true, some black -maned forms are not infrequently found side by side with paler variety (fig. 1). Further studies may reveal, however, that the Kalahari lion can be separated from other lions by features of its biology as well. The greatest part of the Kalahari lion's range is without surface water. Only in the Etosha and Kaokoveld areas of South-West Africa and the northern part of Botswana is surface water available in the form of natural springs. Although it rarely strays far from water it does sometimes penetrate deep into the waterless Namib and the truly barren parts of the Kalahari. The African lion has always been intimately associated with the desert and its former range included large areas of desert and semi-desert country in northern and southern Africa. Yet, no detailed study has ever been made of the ecology and habits of lions under such extreme conditions. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |