The lion is an intelligent, 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, which inspires fear in everyone, but he himself is not afraid of anyone. We are used to seeing these muscular big cats with a red mane and golden hair, but more and more photos with dark animals have recently appeared. The black lion looks unusual, so many people are wondering: is this a real beast or the skillful 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 find predators with a 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 cannot there be such a thing as a black lion?
Melanism is opposed to albinism, so it is likely that both white and dark animals can exist. Scientists from different countries unanimously refute the fact that a black lion exists. In their opinion, this is impossible not at the genetic level, but in terms of survival. Mutation experts 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 will be born in the wild, then most likely the animal will not survive.
The black lion suffers from a violation of thermoregulation, it has reduced immunity, and there are some difficulties when hunting. If the 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 answered the question in detail, setting forth their own point of view, many people still ask themselves: "Do black lions exist?" and "Where can I see them?"
Cryptozoologists disagree 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 continent, namely from the Okovango area, and from Persia that they saw black lions. Both territories have similarities in one - they are covered with stunted trees and shrubs. This landscape allows predators with dark hair to hide from the scorching sun and hide when hunting.
In Okovango, a whole pride of dark lions was found, but they cannot be called black. They differ from ordinary big cats in dark brown color. Scientists do not recognize that this is a consequence of melanism, but agree on the thoughts of closely related crosses. This color is fixed, because predators live in the forest.
The black lion is today the dream of cryptozoologists. They believe that dark individuals are in the African bush or savannah, but so far no one can find them. If a melanist lion were found, it would be easier for researchers to study the evolution of the species. Scientists can only hope that a black miracle will someday be born in a zoo.
