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Are Tigers Bigger Than Lions?
Jul
Both lions and tigers belong to the subfamily Pantherinae, but tigers are noticeably bigger than lions most of the time. They are the biggest cats in the world, and lions are the runner-ups.
We figured out that the size differences in their physical features are closely tied to their habits in the wild. We will be delighted if you take a seat and study these giant cats with us!
Tiger vs Lion Size Comparison
Lions are not bigger than tigers, but the size comparisons sometimes overlap between specific species. Some lions surpass tigers in size as well, and we are going to take a closer look at both of them.
Weight
Once again, tigers are generally bigger than lions, but we mustn’t forget that their sizes vary depending on species and regions.
Tiger vs Lion weight in kg has a difference of 50: tigers are 230 kilograms (507 pounds) and lions are 180 kilograms (397 pounds) on average.
Tigers weigh about 165 – 270 kilograms (364 – 595 pounds). However, the average weight of tigers has dropped from 215 kilograms to 176 kilograms in a specific area. It shouldn’t speak for the whole tiger family, though 300-kilogram tigers are impossible to find.
The big Southern lions weigh about 200 kilograms (440 pounds). Some oversized males can be heavier than 250 kilograms (551 pounds) and the biggest number recorded was 260. This is why some people insist that certain lions can be bigger than tigers!
Height
Height is an interesting aspect because lions are usually taller than tigers!
You will find tigers standing at 2.3 – 4.0 feet (0.8 – 1.4 meters) in height. Meanwhile, lions are 2.6 – 3.5 feet (0.9 – 1.2 meters) for females and 3.5 – 3.9 feet (1.2 – 1.4 meters) for males.
In general, lions are taller and lighter, but they have higher bone density than tigers. Therefore, tigers potentially have more muscle strength.
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Body Length
Lions and tigers share similar body proportions. The famous Siberian and Bengal tigers are about 9 feet (3 meters) in length, slightly surpassing the big lions with about 8 feet (2.7 meters) in body length.
Researchers have also seen and noted that some Bengal tigers can be a little longer than 3.2 meters, but anything beyond that is probably an exaggeration!
Lionesses are also smaller than tigresses at 4.6 – 5.7 feet (1.5 – 1.9 meters) vs. 6 – 7.2 feet (2 – 2.4 meters).
Others Criteria
Aside from the main measurements we have mentioned, the differences between minor details in lions and tigers also play a crucial role in their habits.
Brain size
Living up to the title of the world’s largest cat, tigers possess the most impressive brain size among big cat species. Their brains also reach the mature state more quickly than their cousins.
On the other hand, lions are only second to tigers in terms of brain size. However, their brains are only 75% of tiger brains, which is a rather significant discrepancy.
Amount of meat consumed
Tigers have a great appetite and can consume 88 pounds (40 kilograms) of meat at once! The researchers estimated that each tiger can finish a deer (or animal of similar size) within a week, adding up to 50 of such prey per year.
Despite being the kings of the jungle, lions only consume up to 60 pounds (27 kilograms), even for the largest males.
Size of mouth
The size difference between tigers and lions is not that evident when it comes to their mouths. Lions have canines of 3.2 inches (8 centimeters) and tigers of 3.6 inches (9 centimeters). Both of them have a bite force of approximately 1000 PSI.
Tigers have big sagittal crests at the top of their skulls, hence their canines can bite powerfully and sharply. Meanwhile, lion incisors and molars are more developed, so the force of their bites is remarkably stronger.
Being Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better
By the old definition, the size of lions and tigers isn’t only an advantage for them in mating and fighting, but also a great attribute to their regal looks.
It is true that tigers are more aggressive than lions. They are more agile and active as well with their muscle strength, hence it seems like they have more advantages than lions.
However, that beauty attracted hunters who sought victories and prizes, leading to a lot of effort in capturing these gorgeous felines. In captivity, both lions and tigers gradually decreased in size because they could no longer mate and breed with the wild ones.
On the other hand, a bigger animal also needs more energy to function. With how quickly humans invade and destroy natural habitats, it gets harder and harder for the predators to find enough prey for their sustainability.
In the previous century, the number of lions had dropped from 200,000 to 20,000 individuals. For tigers, the quantity is even more concerning, with only several thousand wild beings.
So, Are Lions Or Tigers Bigger?
Tigers are bigger than lions most of the time and for most species, though this conclusion might not be consistent if you compare different species under different conditions.
What matters the most is these giant felines need better preservation methods to survive the changes in their environment and habitat. If you have had a chance to witness their beauty in reality, feel free to share your experience with Lion Things Store so everyone can appreciate them too!