Are you fascinated by animals with manes? You’re not alone! From the iconic lion to the lesser-known golden-maned tamarin, animals with manes are some of the most striking creatures in the animal kingdom.
These manes can signify strength, beauty, and even social status. But what exactly is a mane, and why do some animals have them while others don’t?
A mane is a growth of long hair around an animal’s neck, head, or both. While manes are most commonly associated with lions, they can also be found in various other animals. For example, horses, zebras, and bison all have manes.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most fascinating animals with manes and learn why they have them.
Lion
Lions are one of the first animals that come to mind when you think of animals with manes. Only male lions have manes that grow when they’re around one year old. The length and colour of their mane can reveal a lot about a lion’s health.
A lion’s mane serves several purposes. It can help protect the lion’s neck during fights with other males and make the lion appear larger and more intimidating to potential rivals. The colour of a lion’s mane can also indicate its age and status within the pride.
Striped Hyena
When you think of hyenas, you probably picture the spotted hyena with its distinctive coat pattern. However, did you know that there is a hyena species that has a mane? The striped hyena has a mane of long, erect hairs running down its neck and back.
The mane of the striped hyena is thought to serve several functions. One is to make the hyena appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators. Another is to protect its neck and back from bites and scratches during fights with other hyenas or predators.
The striped hyena is one of the few mammals that can secrete a substance from its anal gland, similar to the musk produced by skunks. This substance is used to mark territory and deter predators.
Maned Wolf
This fascinating creature is native to South America and is known for its distinctive black mane that runs along its neck and shoulders. Despite its name, the Maned Wolf is not a wolf or a fox but rather a type of large canine.
One of the most interesting things about the Maned Wolf is its diet. While it does eat small mammals like wild guinea pigs and rabbits, it also regularly consumes fruits, sugarcane, and other plants.
Insects, reptiles, and birds are also a part of its diet. This varied diet helps to make the Maned Wolf a highly adaptable and successful predator.
Another unique feature of the Maned Wolf is its long legs, which give it a somewhat ungainly appearance. However, these long legs are actually an adaptation that allows the animal to see over the tall grasses of its habitat.
Wildebeest
Wildebeests may not be the first to come to mind when you think of animals with manes. However, these animals have a distinctive mane running down their neck and back.
Male wildebeests are larger than females and have longer, thicker manes. Their manes are usually dark in colour and run down the length of their neck and back.
Wildebeests are social animals and live in large herds. They are also known for their annual migration, one of the animal kingdom’s largest and most impressive migrations. Wildebeests migrate for food and water; their journey can cover thousands of miles.
Giraffe
The giraffe’s mane is not as prominent as a lion’s, but it is still a defining feature of the animal.
Male giraffes have thicker and more prominent manes than females. The mane of a male giraffe can grow up to 10 inches long, while the mane of a female giraffe is much shorter and less noticeable.
In addition to their manes and spots, giraffes are also known for their long legs. The long legs help giraffes to reach high branches and leaves that other animals cannot reach.
Zebra
Zebras are fascinating animals known for their black and white striped coats. However, did you know that some zebras have manes? Specifically, the Grevy’s zebra, the largest of all zebra species, has a short, erect mane that runs down the neck and back.
Grevy’s zebras are native to Ethiopia and northern Kenya and typically weigh between 770 and 950 pounds. They are also known for their long, narrow heads and large ears.
Grevy’s zebras have a unique pattern of stripes that can help distinguish them from other zebra species. Their stripes are narrower and closer together than other zebras, and they do not extend onto their bellies.
Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin
This small monkey is known for its distinctive golden mane that frames its face and covers its ears.
The Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin is a small primate that is native to Brazil. In the wild, these monkeys live in lowland and premontane tropical forest fragments in the state of Bahia.
These monkeys are social animals and live in family groups of up to eight individuals. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, trills, and grunts. They also use body language, such as grooming each other, to strengthen social bonds.
Lion-Tailed Macaque
This Old World monkey species is native to South India and known for its striking grey or silver mane surrounding its face. Interestingly, both males and females of this species develop this mane, which is unusual for primates.
Lion-Tailed Macaques are covered in black fur, which makes their grey mane stand out even more.
One of the most interesting things about Lion-Tailed Macaques is that they start growing their manes just two months after they are born. This is quite different from other animals with manes, such as lions, which only develop their manes when they are around one year old.
Wild Horses
Wild horses can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their speed, agility, and endurance, which make them ideal for racing and other equestrian sports.
One of the most famous breeds of wild horses is the Mustang, which is native to North America. These horses have been roaming the plains of the American West for centuries, and they are known for their hardiness and resilience.
Another breed of wild horse is the Przewalski’s Horse, which is native to Mongolia. These horses have a distinctive reddish-brown coat and a short, spiky mane.
Wild horses are often associated with freedom and independence, and they have been the subject of many works of art and literature.
Maned Sloth
The Maned Sloth gets its name from the long, shaggy hair that grows around its neck and shoulders, resembling a mane. This hair serves as a form of camouflage, as it helps the sloth blend in with the trees and foliage of its habitat.
Maned Sloths are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They have long, curved claws that allow them to grip onto branches and hang upside down for extended periods. They are also known for their slow and clumsy movements. They can only travel about 40 yards per day.