Ancient DNA analysis indicates the first English lions originated from North Africa

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2008
Authors:Barnett, R, Yamaguchi, N, Shapiro, B, Sabin, R
Journal:Contributions to Zoology
Volume:77
Date Published:2008
Keywords:Panthera leo
Abstract:

The Royal Menagerie of England was established at the Tower of London in the 13th Century and served as a home of exotic animals until it was closed on behalf of the Duke of Wellington in 1835. Two well-preserved lion skulls recovered from the moat of the Tower of London were recently radiocarbon-dated to AD 1280-1385 and AD 1420-1480, making them the earliest confirmed lion remains in the British Isles since the extinction of the Pleistocene cave lion. Using ancient DNA techniques and cranio-morphometric analysis, we identify the source of these first English lions to lie in North Africa, where no natural lion population remains today.

Taxonomic name: 
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