Lion-white

Lion-white

The Lion-white is a rare mutation of lion South African color (Transvaal Lion), due to a genetic feature called leucism. The white lion is not a separate subspecies. It is distinguished from the normal South African lions only for its very clear coat, almost white, caused by abnormalities in their genes

Characteristics

White Lion. Adult male in captivity
The white lion belongs to the subspecies Transvaal Lion (Lion South African). White lions are not albinos, are leucísticos. Its white color is caused by a recessive inhibitor gene different from the gene albinism. Its coat varies from blond to almost white. This feature does not cause physiological problems, unlike albinism, the leucism does not confer increased sensitivity to sunlight. However a disadvantage because it reduces their ability to camouflage themselves in the hunt for their prey.

Lions this color were never very common in nature. The gene that confers this characteristic is recessive, and only revealed when they are crossed individuals carrying the mutant gene. This intersection is done purposely in zoos, by now no longer exist in nature and therefore these where there is the largest number of individuals leucísticos. In the past, lions with this coloration were sighted in the Timbavati reserve and the Kruger National Park, but since 1993 are not sighted in nature.