Differences between species/subspecies

[Javan Rhino]

In many animals, it is not too difficult to tell one species/subspecies apart (like rhinos and elephants). However, there are some that I don't know all too well, and wondered if you could help me out (I know little bits, but not enough):

Orang-Utans: I have no idea about the differences between Sumatran and Bornean, except I've read elsewhere on here that Borneans are darker and have more 'forward-facing' cheek pads (which doesn't help with young and females).

Tigers: Getting a little better, but still not sure. I think Sumatrans are much smaller and have a larger 'mane,' whilst Amurs are much larger and paler. I've also heard that the stripes are more distantly apart on South China Tigers.

Lions: No idea at all between African and Asiatic lions.

There are probably many others, but can anybody help me with these few for now? Thanks in advance

 

[Meaghan Edwards]

Asian lions have a distinct "fold" on their bellies that I believe is absent in most African lions. They also seem to have a different shaped face to me. This is a little more indepth:

http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/lions/lion_asian.html

Eastern Coyotes (also believed to be a hybrid with Western Coyotes and Eastern Wolves) are generally larger than Western Coyotes.

Some differences between the wolves:

http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/wolves/wolf_species.html

 

[Javan Rhino]

Ahh cool, thanks for that . The links go to a great website and are definately a great place to read up about a number of species.

 

[Pertinax]

Orang-Utans: I have no idea about the differences between Sumatran and Bornean, except I've read elsewhere on here that Borneans are darker and have more 'forward-facing' cheek pads (which doesn't help with young and females).

Bornean Orangutan;

Bluish Skin. Often bald headed as youngsters.
Darker maroon-coloured hair. Shiny/Greasy looking.
Heavier muzzle giving an '8' shape to the head.
Heavier build/ prone to obesity.
More inactive nature(in zoo).
Mature male cheek pads bare with 'goose-pimple' effect, often hang forward like blinkers. 'Scraggly' orang beard.

Sumatran Orangutan;

Lighter coat colour. Orange or white beard
More hairy, not baldheaded as young.
Lighter muzzle giving more '0' shape to face/head
Lighter build, much more active (in zoo) Sometimes walks bipedally (some individuals)
Mature male; cheeks pads flatter, covered with tiny tufts of pale hair. Beard longer, either orange or white. Long hair on adult male often looks like 'fleece'.

There are now regarded to be several subspecies of Bornean orangs with individual differences. Some individuals are lighter than normal and have characteristics more typical of Sumatran, but these are unusual.

Tigers;

Sumatran- distinctive ruff surrounding face and (often) small mane on neck. Short hair, dark orange coat. Small size. More nervous/retiring nature in zoos.

Siberian- huge size,heavier build, longer, paler coat. Less distinct stripes. Heavy head.
Bold, friendly nature in zoos.

Beware Generic tigers- crossbreeds between these or other species which still occur in some collections.