Ice Lion

An imposing roar echoes through the desertic lands of the tundra. On a frozen hill, a creature stands proud, its icy mane standing against the wind. The ice lion's enemies are few and far between, making him a true predator of the North.
Compared to other lions, Ice Lions have slightly longer hair, which tends to be very pale, sometimes bordering on icy white. They have faintly glowing blue eyes and a tufted tail. However, their most distinctive trait is their icy mane, a collar made out of literal icicles and, just like hair, it will sometimes puff to indicate a sense of superiority or domination. Unlike other lions, female individuals also possess manes, and present no sign of sexual dimorphism.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Ice Lions will either live in prides, generally composed of around 20 individuals, or in pairs, called Mates. Cubs are raised with their parents, whether they are part of a pride of simply Mates. When they reach maturity, they are left to their own devices, free to either join a pride or find a Mate. As such, lone lions are extremely rare, and explorers know that if they only see one, it is because they are being lead to the second one, and probably already dead.

Domestication

There are no known cases of domestication for Ice Lions. At least not yet...

Average Intelligence

Ice Lions, similar to their warm-climate cousins, are mostly instinct-relying beasts, although some explorers that these lions seem to be somewhat more intelligent and cunning than any other animal from the tundra, luring their preys into traps and dead-ends. They have also been known to chase their prey as game, indicating a certain level of sentience.

Lifespan

15 years

Conservation Status

If anything, the Ice Lion is a bit too common in the North, preying on weaker species and animals as they roam about the frozen tundra.

Average Length

1.75 - 2.5 meters long