How heavy is an adult male Barbary Lion?

An adult male Barbary Lion weighs around 200 – 295 kg (440 – 650 lbs), with a body length of 2.5 – 3.2 m (including tail) and shoulder height around 1.0 – 1.15 m (100 – 115 cm).

What is the conservation status of the Barbary Lion?

The Barbary Lion is classified as Extinct in Wild (1960s), primarily found in North Africa (Atlas Mountains of Morocco & Algeria).

What makes the Barbary Lion distinct from tigers?

Possessed the most voluminous mane of any felid, providing physical armor in territorial throat clashes. Its cooperative pride social structure and protective male mane contrast with the tiger's strictly solitary ambush ecology.

Barbary Lion

Panthera leo leo (North African population)

The Barbary lion was the largest lion subspecies in recorded history, famed for its dark, voluminous mane extending past its shoulders to its belly, and adapted to the cold Atlas Mountains.

Extinct in Wild (1960s) IUCN Red List

“Colossus of the Atlas Peaks.”

THE LARGEST RECORDED LION

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Region North Africa

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Weight 200 – 295 kg Female: 120 – 180 kg

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Length 2.5 – 3.2 m (including tail)

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Habitat Temperate mountain forests

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Diet Barbary stag, herd ungulates

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Lifespan 12 – 15 years (in the wild)

Appearance

Extraordinary long, dark-brown or black mane spreading past the shoulders down to the groin and stomach. Broad chest, thick legs, and cold-adapted heavy physique.

Voluminous dark mane extending all the way to the abdomen

Robust chest and heavy bone structure adapted to mountain slopes

Thick winter coat protecting against Atlas blizzards

Broad facial structure and powerful jaw hinge

Behavior

Lived in pairs or small family units rather than huge savanna prides due to rugged mountain terrain. Highly territorial with powerful roaring vocalizations that echoed through mountain gorges.

Formed pairs or small family coalitions

Ambushed wild sheep and stags along steep rocky gorges

Heavily armored against throat bites during combat

Vanished from the wild due to firearms and deforestation

SIZE

How big was a Barbary Lion?

The Barbary lion was significantly heavier than modern savanna lions, with large males weighing up to 295 kg.

See Size in Detail

Front View

Side View

Male Weight 200 – 295 kg

Female Weight 120 – 180 kg

Body Length 2.5 – 3.2 m

Shoulder Height 1.0 – 1.15 m

1.8 m

~ 2.8 m

HABITAT

Where did it live?

Barbary lions occupied the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, roaming altitudes up to 2,500 meters in cedar and pine forests.

View Habitat Notes

Current Range Possible Historic Range

“Over snowy mountain passes and rugged pine forests.”

HUNTING & DIET

Mountain Ambush Tactics

Barbary lions used rocky cliffs and steep elevation to trap heavy herbivores, delivering powerful grappling takedowns along mountain streams.

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Main prey: Barbary stag, aoudad sheep, wild boar

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Strategy: High-ground ambush and chokeholds

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Armor: Chest and neck shielded by dense mane

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Strength: Massive grappling leverage on uneven slopes

“Heavy mane. Mighty chest. King of the cold mountains.”

COMPARISON

How does the Barbary Lion compare?

Compare the Barbary Lion with other lion populations or tigers to see the differences in size, strength, speed, and more.