Here's why:
* Size: Lions are significantly larger than clouded leopards. Their overall size allows for proportionally larger teeth, including canines.
* Diet: Lions are apex predators that primarily hunt large ungulates. Their powerful canines are essential for taking down prey and tearing through flesh. Clouded leopards, while also carnivores, hunt smaller prey like birds, rodents, and small mammals. Their canines are adapted for this type of hunting.
While the clouded leopard's canines are sharp and effective for their hunting style, they are not as large or powerful as a lion's.