White lions have a genetic mutation called leucism, which leads to a lower production of melanin, the pigment that colours cells, making the lions ‘white’. They live only in South Africa in the Timbavati reserve. Recent studies suggest that there is a single subspecies for all the populations of lions in Africa. White lions are therefore not a sub-species in their own right. Easily recognised by the male’s mane, lions are among the only felines to have developed a gregarious lifestyle. They live in groups made up of one or more related males and several females with their cubs. The male’s role is to mark and protect the territory.