Every year there are a number of new animal species that scientists discover. Sometimes, it is not a new specie but an old one that was thought to be extinct long ago. Animals, birds, fishes, insects, etc. that walk on earth have distinct traits. However, a lion is considered the king of the jungle and they have the mane traits as a mark of their royalty, but this is not the only case. What do you think, are lions the only animals with manes? Well, there are other animals with manes too. Would you like to know about those animals along with what animal has a thick mane? Let’s begin!
A. What is Mane?
Long and heavy hair growing around the neck and on the head of animals is known as a mane. For example, the thick bunch of long hair around the neck of the lion is the mane. The hair from the back of a horse’s head till its shoulder is also mane. However, a person having long and heavy hair on their head can be termed a mane as well. (See What are Some Animals that have Big Eyes?)
B. What is the Purpose of Mane?
Yes, I agree they are like a statement trait in animals that enhances their beauty, but for animals, every trait and feature has been serving a special purpose. The same is the case for mane. Males in animals often fight with other males of the same species to win the female during the mating season where manes play a minor role to support that fight. The animals fight with other species to protect their area and clan. Here mane works:
- As a shield to protect their necks during fights
- As a signal to other males about the power and health of that male
- To keep their neck warm
- Provides protection from flies
C. What does the Color of Mane Indicate?
In lions, the color of the mane is an important feature. Because older and more powerful lions tend to have darker manes, this is not it. In the journey to know about animals with manes, a dark mane talks about:
- The ability of the lion to heal after getting injured
- Their testosterone levels
- Their ability to survive long
- Their overall health
- Their fighting capability to rivals and potential mates, if required.
D. Are Lions the Only Animals with Manes?
No. While thinking about mane, the first animal that pops into your mind is a lion. But do you know the lion is not the only animal with manes? Now you are trying to figure out which animal does have mane other than a lion. There are a number of animals you have seen but never noticed their mane, either because it was too short or the length of their manes was not long enough to be noticed. Check out the List of Names for Groups of Animals.
E. What Animal has a Thick Mane?
Lion’s manes are the most famous and begin to grow only after the lion is 1 year old. The length and color of their mane are the indicators of their power and prestige. According to the researchers, females tend to choose males with strong, dark, and long manes. (See What is the Biggest Lion in the World?)
F. Which are the Animals with Manes?
Other than lions, look at all these animals with manes and do not forget to appreciate their beauty. Here is the list of all the animals with manes other than lions.
- Bactrian camel,
- Chinese Crested,
- Chow Chow,
- Giraffes,
- Horses,
- Leonberger,
- Lion-tailed macaque,
- Löwchen,
- Maned sloths,
- Maned wolves,
- Newfoundland,
- Pekingese,
- Pomeranian,
- Roan antelope,
- Sable antelope,
- Tibetan Mastiff,
- Wildebeests, and
- Zebras
1. Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus)
This camel species is similar to other camels in terms of their body structure and ability to go without food and water for long periods. But their distinct feature is their manes, which are seen in both domestic and wild Bactrian camels. Their manes can grow up to 9.8 inches (24.89 centimeters) and grow on their throat and neck. They have thick manes that help them to stay warm during cold desert nights. They are rare, smaller, and slenderer than their domesticated fellows. (See How do Animals cause Erosion?)
2. Chinese Crested
This small dog breed is native to China and has a long mane and furry tail. This gives them the appearance of a small pony. There are two varieties of this breed: one is hairless and powder puff and another is completely covered with thick and long hair. (See What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Capture Mark-Recapture Method?)
3. Chow Chow
You will be surprised to know that this animal is on the list of animals with manes. This ancient dog breed from China is one of the most famous dog breeds. Their shape, appearance, and mane give them the royal appearance of lions. They have small-round ears, thick fur, and blue tongue. They are expert nappers and love to keep themselves clean. (See 8 Types of Good Emotional Support Dogs)
4. Giraffes (Giraffa)
Seems odd to have them on the list! But despite their short hair, they do have a mane. Their mane is short, and erect, and runs throughout their necks’ upper edge. Their manes are also an indication of their gender and capability of fighting with other males. It is also a characteristic of mating because a thick and long mane (longer than other males) means the possibility of impressing the female. Check out Do Giraffes Spit out their Stomach?
5. Horses (Equus ferus caballus)
They have notable long manes that serve as their shield to protect them from the insects and predators who try to attack their necks. Their manes provide warmth during winter. Domestic and wild horses both have long manes. The color of their mane can vary irrespective of their skin color, and it can be thick or thin depending on the breed of the horse. (See Where do Horses live?)
6. Leonberger
This giant dog breed is lovable, playful, gentle, and friendly. But their mane gives them a tough and rough look. Their mane is long and thick around their neck and chest, giving them the appearance of a lion. Do you still doubt animals with manes, other than lions? These dogs have a double-coated mane that must not be shaved off because it helps them regulate their body temperature and keep them cool. (See How Dog see the World?)
7. Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)
They got their name because of the black tuft on their tail, similar to the lion. But they also have a thick white-silver mane surrounding their head, chin, and cheek. This is why they are also known as beard apes. It is not very long but just enough to give them a beard look. (See What is the Difference between Apes and Monkeys?)
8. Löwchen
This is a German name that means little lion. This dog breed earned this name because of its long-flowing mane that touches its feet and indicates its bravery. This breed is famous in European countries and is mostly among the people living in apartments who want to satisfy their love for keeping a lion. One characteristic of their mane is that it does not shed unnecessarily. Also, check out why are my dogs whiskers falling out?
9. Maned Sloths (Bradypus torquatos)
Who thought there would be a sloth in the list of animals with manes too? This is a rare three-toed sloth species that is native to the Atlantic coastal rainforests in Brazil. Their appearances and characteristics are similar to other species of sloths, but their long black mane makes them distinct from others. It runs along their necks and shoulders. Males have large and dark manes in comparison to females. (See How many Animals are there in the World?)
10. Maned Wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
They are known as wolves, but it is still unclear whether they are foxes or wolves because they share similar features. Their name was given due to their black mane that runs over their shoulder and along their neck. Their manes’ distinctive feature is that they become erect as they sense danger. (See What is the Largest Wolf?)
11. Newfoundland
This sweet dog breed has long fur around its neck and head, which looks like a mane. They are sweet and gentle, and they got the name nanny dog due to their gentle behavior with children. Their partial webbed feet are a distinct feature that makes them the best swimmers. Their mane keeps them warm and protects them during fights (which they rarely do). (See Do Dogs Feel Emotion?)
12. Pekingese
This small dog breed appears to be a monkey and a lion. They have long fur on their body, which is longer around their neck, giving them the appearance of a mane. Their mane also serves the same purpose when they fight with other dogs or animals. This dog does have manes. Therefore, it is on the list of animals with manes. (See Why are zoos bad for animals?)
13. Pomeranian
These small dogs have an orange ruff around their heads that looks like a mane. However, you would not want to test their courage due to their small size because their self-confidence is no less than any big dog. They were the favorites of Queen Victoria, and she owned dozens of them. Also, check out Pomeranian Fox Face: Fox cut on a Pomeranian.
14. Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
They have the appearance and characteristics of a goat and a deer. Their manes are short and erect but longer than that of Zebras. It runs from the back of their necks to their shoulder blades. It gives more protection to their neck. The color of their manes can be black, gray, or brown. (See Is Deer Shedding Velvet Painful?)
15. Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger)
These antelopes also have mane as their unique feature. But instead of one, they have two manes. One is running from their head to the middle of their back. While the other short mane runs from their chin down to their throat. Other than manes, their backward horn arc is a distinctive feature. (See What is the Niche of the Deer?)
16. Tibetan Mastiff
This dog has an extremely dense coat that helps it handle the chilling winters in its mountainous regions. They are large and strong, with a long, erect mane on their head that is darker than the mane that runs around their neck and shoulder. Despite being one of the best guard dogs, they are sweet and gentle. (See Bloodhound – Dog with Best Sense of Smell)
17. Wildebeests (Connochaetes)
The next entry in the list is from the antelope family. Both males and females have shaggy and thick manes. Along with it is a long beard hair hanging from parts like the chest, horns, muzzle, and tails. Their mane is dark and serves the same purpose as that of horses and other herbivores. (See Macropod Reproduction: How do Kangaroos Give Birth?)
18. Zebras
They may appear like horses, but their manes are not as long and thick as horses. Their manes are stiff and stand upright with the same color as their skin and stripes. Males, females, and young ones all have manes. The purpose of their mane is the same as horses. Must read 4 No Stripe Zebra Facts.
As many new species are found every year, we wonder about their distinct features. Are lions the only animals with manes? Hope this is cleared along with what animal has a thick mane. You should try asking your friends and family this tricky question about which animal has mane.
