Research Article: Comparative morphometric analysis of captive vs. wild African lion (Panthera leo) skulls

Panthera leo are a carnivorous species with significant bone growth occurring from gestation to 3–4 yrs. In captivity, species are not necessarily subject to all stresses influencing bone development that would otherwise result in the wild. The factors fully influencing bone development in the wild are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in morphometric measurements are present between wild and captive populations of lions, specifically in the regions of mastication. Twenty-one different measurements were taken on fifty-seven skulls. Morphometric measurements of museum specimens from the wild were compared with specimens obtained from zoos and other captive environments. Results from analysis indicate significant differences between captive and wild specimens. The majority of these variances were in the regions of mastication; areas influenced by external stress. Wild specimens possess greater morphometric dimensions in regions of stress.