[4][5] However, phylogeographic analysis has shown that lion populations in Southern and East Africa are closely related.

[6][7] In 2017, the subspecies Panthera leo melanochaita was recircumscribed to include all lion populations in Southern and East Africa.

[9] Felis (Leo) melanochaita was a black-maned lion specimen from the Cape of Good Hope that was described by Ch.

Genetic exchanges between lion populations in the Cape, Kalahari and Transvaal regions, and farther east are considered having been possible through a corridor between the escarpment and the Indian Ocean.

[6] Results of phylogeographic studies support this notion of lions in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa being genetically close.

[21] Results of a long-term study indicate that the colour of lion manes is influenced by climatic variables and varies between individuals.

[23] In 2000, specimens asserted to be descendants of the Cape lion were found in captivity in Russia, and two of them were brought to South Africa.

South African zoo director John Spence reportedly was long fascinated by stories of these grand lions scaling the walls of Jan van Riebeeck's Fort de Goede Hoop in the 17th century.