White lions exhibit a genetic mutation called leucism, which causes a lower production of melanin, the pigment that colors cells, making the lions “white.” They are found only in South Africa within the Timbavati reserve. Recent studies suggest that all populations of African lions belong to the same subspecies. Therefore, white lions are not a separate subspecies. Easily recognizable by the mane of the male, lions are among the only felines to have developed a social lifestyle. They live in groups consisting of one or more related males and several females with their young. The role of the male is to mark and protect the territory.
