Cave lion

Name meaning:

Cave lion

Period of life:

0,3–0,01 million years ago

Period:

Quaternary period

Habitat:

Steppes

Taxonomy:

Mammals

Countries:

Quaternary period Cave lion | 3D Dinopedia

Aenocyon

Thylacinus

Cave lion (0,3–0,01 million years ago)

What does the name mean: Both the common and scientific names mean “cave lion”.

The cave lion (Panthera spelaea) was a large Pleistocene predator whose remains have been discovered across Europe and Siberia. It inhabited Eurasia during the Middle and Late Pleistocene (approximately 300,000 to 10,000 years ago), within the Quaternary Period.

The cave lion was somewhat larger than the modern African lion (Panthera leo) — approximately 5–10% larger. Shoulder height reached about 1.2 m, and body length up to 2.1 m excluding the tail. The body was covered with thick fur that provided protection against cold climates. According to paleolithic art, the mane in males was probably weakly developed or absent. The coloration was likely uniform — light brown or yellowish — with a well-developed underfur.

Cave lions inhabited a variety of landscapes, from cold steppes to periglacial zones. Their remains have even been found in subpolar regions. Like modern members of the genus, they occupied the top levels of food chains. Their diet mainly consisted of large ungulates: wild horses (Equus), deer (Cervidae), bison (Bison), and antelopes. There is also evidence suggesting possible attacks on cave bears (Ursus spelaeus), based on tooth marks found on bear bones.

It is thought that cave lions may have had a social lifestyle similar to that of modern lions, forming groups for hunting and territorial defense. This interpretation is supported by accumulations of bones from multiple individuals as well as cave paintings interpreted as scenes of cooperative hunting.

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