Phenotypic and reproductive characteristics of lions ( Panthera leo ) at Addis Ababa Zoo

摘要: A study was conducted to describe the physical characteristics and reproductive performances of Addis Ababa Zoo lions. Length from tip nose tail, tail length height at withers were 255 ± 15, 105 11, 110 7 cm for adult males (n = 8), 236 94 10, 98 8 females respectively. The lions had dark brown manes extending down chest through front legs, back below shoulders belly groin; mane that surrounds face golden eyes have clear light irises. These fit description Barbary Cape as follows: age first parturition 4 0.5 years; litter size 1.6 0.9; gestation period 115 5 days; interval 25 15 months; pregnancy rate 30 16%; duration estrus 1.5 days. For male which fully grown 3.6 0.7; frequency copulation 16.5 7.5 per day; lasted 12.2 9 s; refractory 50 min. Mean preweaning, weaning one year mortalities 55, 51 27%, life expectancy 12.8 years female while it 8.5 years. causes mortality appear be senility, enteritis pneumonia, cub is primarily due maternal rejection. There also a 100% prevalence Toxocara cati. Further on genetics, reintroduction natural habitat recommended.