Identifying Individual Lions
Whisker spot patterns:
Lions have four rows of whisker spots; we use the spots (ID spots) above the top row, and the spots between the rows (in between spots) to identify individuals. The whisker spot patterns are like a finger print. We use the top row of spots as a reference row to record where the ID spots are – counting outwards from the nose. Counting outwards from the nose, this lion has clear spots at 3½, 4½, and 5. Any in between spots are also recorded. Pictures of the lions are stuck to the back of ID cards as a reference, as people tend to see spots at slightly different places.
Other useful features in identifying lions:
1) Ear notches. Lion’s pick up ear-notches fighting at kills and defending
territory. 2) Missing tail/tail tuft. Lion’s
lose parts of their tails in fights. 3) Eye spots and missing eyes.
Spots/blemishes in the eye. 4) Scar’s through the nose. Nose scars
remain, while other scars tend to fade. 5) Missing teeth and worn
teeth. 6) Nose colour seems a good indicator of age.
It starts out pink (very rarely grey), by age 3-4 yrs it’s mostly pink with some black
spots it. By age 5-6, the nose is mostly
dark with some pink in it (+60% dark). And generally by age 7-8 the nose is
totally dark. 7) Tongue rips are also a good identification feature.
We use the above features in conjunction with the whisker spots to identify individual lions.
Other useful links on lions:
