I don't think either of the cats are better, its a subjective question. I like lions better, for a few reasons:
1st) Unlike any of big cats, the lion posseses a tuft of hair at the end of its tail. The tuft of dark colored hair hides a "spur" of bone.
2nd) Unlike any of the other big cats, they live in a social matriarcal group called a pride.
3rd) On a clear night, a lions' roar can be heard 5 miles away.
These are just a few reasons.
Male Bengal Tigers measure 275--310 cm( including tail). Their weight ranges from 180 to 270 kilograms (400-594 pounds). lions are between 150--225 kg (330--500 lb) and his length is 170--250 cm (5 ft 7 in--8 ft 2 in).
Tigers are bigger than lions, but the size difference is negligble. Thus, size cannot determine this fight. (Take note I got these weights from an old encyclopedia, the lion weights are conservative while the tiger weights I think are exxagerated)
Tigers are slightly heavier and longer. Lions are taller at the shoulder. I have read, lions have a larger bite force and are more fast than tigers.
Here the studies are:
http://i95.photobucket.com/...1/Errol100/TigersoftheSnow.jpghttp://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l151/Errol100/Picture2.jpg
I think its bullshit, if its true then the difference in bite force and speed is slight.
I also would like to say; male lions aren't lazy, when they are eschewed or ousted from their original pride, they become nomads. The hunt and scavenge frequently. Taking over a pride is extremely, hard. The male leaders of a pride are typically from 5-7 years old, in their prime. They come from other prides and stay as long as they can defend the territory. However, a male lion's or coalition's reign lasts on average of 2-3 years, at the average age of 8-10 years. Larger groups of males will have a longer tenure in the pride than a single male or smaller group.
After a lion loses its pride, it usually never takes over another one.
Tigers fight three times a year for territory, mating rights etc. It must contend with dholes, leopards and mugger crocodiles. In Siberia, it must also contend with brown bears. Tigers fight just a little less than lions. I think aggresion is individual specific; there are aggresive lions and equally aggresive tigers.
I think both cats will make it in the 21st century, although they are certainly doing better than the tiger. Rough estimates range from 30,000 to 100,000 individuals. Eastern and southern Africa have the largest lion populations, with the numbers dwindling in the western part of the continent.
Edited by Earendil, : No reason given.
™ Version 4.2
