Lion is a smart, strong and very dangerous predator, a thunderstorm of deserts and savannahs. Many of us associate this beautiful and proud animal with the king of beasts, who instills fear in everyone, but is not afraid of anyone. We are used to seeing these muscular big cats with ginger manes and golden coats, but lately there have been more and more photographs of dark animals. The black lion looks unusual, so many people are wondering: is this a real animal or a masterful work of photoshop?
Do not think that in the natural habitat there are only lionesses and lions with a reddish color, in the savannas you can often meet predators with their former mane and skin, there are also cats with beige hair and blue eyes. Nature sometimes rewards animals with the most unimaginable colors and shades. All this is due to genetic mutations. If there are leucists and albinos, then why can't there be such a thing as blacklion?
Albinism is opposed by melanism, so it is likely that both white and dark animals can exist. Scientists from different countries unanimously refute the fact that the black lion exists. In their opinion, this is impossible not at the genetic level, but in terms of survival. Mutation specialists explain that dark-colored individuals did not survive during evolution, so now you can not even hope that a dark lion cub will appear. Even if we assume that he was born in the wild, then most likely the animal will not survive.
The black lion suffers from a violation of thermoregulation, he has reduced immunity, and some difficulties arise when hunting. If an animal is born in captivity, then people will help him survive, but in his natural habitat he has practically no chance. Despite the fact that scientists have answered the question in detail, setting out their own point of view, many people still ask questions: "Do black lions exist?" and "Where can I see them?".
Cryptozoologists do not agree with the researchers, they believe that dark individuals can still be found in the wild. In support of their point of view, there were reports from the African mainland, namely from the Okovango area, and from Persia that black lions were seen there. Both territories have similarities in one thing - they are covered with low-growing trees and shrubs. Such a landscape allows predators with dark hair to hide from the scorching sun and hide when hunting.
BThe Okovango found a whole pride of dark lions, but they can't be called black. They differ from ordinary big cats in a dark brown color. Scientists do not recognize that this is a consequence of melanism, but agree on the idea of inbreeding. This color is fixed because predators live in the forest.
The black lion is today the dream of cryptozoologists. They believe that there are dark individuals in the African bush or savannah, but so far no one can find them. If a melanistic lion were found, then it would be easier for researchers to study the evolution of the species. Scientists can only hope that the black miracle will someday be born in the zoo.
