Panthera leo antarcticus is a fictional subspecies of lion called the Antarctic or Snowy lion. There is another type (panthera leo maritimus) which is exactly the same as the Antarctic lion, except it lives in the far north, in the arctic tundra. The Snowy lion has existed since the days of Impressive Title.
The Snowy lion is the largest of all lion subspecies, equal to the size of a Siberian/ Amur tiger. The animal's size can be mostly attributed to the thick layer of fat underneath the skin which insulates the lion from the cold. Both males and females have manes, but only during the winter months. Instead of making the males look big and imposing as with other lion subspecies, the purpose of the mane is to keep the lion warm. When the weather is warmer, the mane and long fur coat is shed in favour of a short summer coat.
Snowy lions are well adapted to freezing climates. Their ears and tails are short to prevent heat loss and the pelt is white to help camouflage the lion against the snow. The skin is black to absorb heat via the hollow hairs all over the body. The paws are wide to help the lion walk in deep snow and the claws are non-retractable to help the lion keep a grip on slippery ice.
Snowy lions live either alone, in pairs or in tiny prides of three or four. They can swim quite well, and prey on seals and penguins. Both males and females do the hunting.
