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+----- Thread: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions (/topic-madikwe-game-reserve-lions)
Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-30-2023
I found no thread on Lions of Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Therefore, I am starting this thread with the Mahiwa collation of the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.
The game reserve:
Madikwe Game Reserve, situated 90 km north of Zeerust, was once farmland with poor soil for successful farming. After thorough research, the South African government repurposed the land into a provincial park to uplift the economically challenged area.
As the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa, Madikwe spans 680 km² and 750 km², including privately owned land. Renowned for conservation efforts, it boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, and both white and black rhinos, as well as various plains antelope species.
Madikwe's uniqueness stems from its location at the Kalahari and Bushveld transition zones. The climate is generally mild to hot, with occasional cold winter nights. Hosting over 350 bird species, the reserve is close to Pilanesberg National Park, with plans for a corridor development between the two parks.
The reserve has recently opened itself up to private farms outside the main reserve. Private users need to abide by parks board rules, animals can roam over any land, but there are restrictions as to where private vehicles can drive.
Game Reserve location
The Mahiwa Collation:
It consists of two lions Dark Mane and Blondie, born in & around 2016 and currently around 8 and in their prime. I found them beautiful with hardly any scars, especially given their age. Few marks that are there seem to result from sibling fights or fights with lionesses. Dark Mane Mahiwa was sired by the big Kwandwe male and looks a lot like his father. Monomoholo was the partner of the big Kwandwe male. Kwandwe males were born in & around 2010.
The big Kwandwe male at 10 years of age.
*This image is copyright of its original author
Dark Mane Mahiwa lion: in 2021
*This image is copyright of its original author
Dark Mane Mahiwa
*This image is copyright of its original author
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrL2OkKKzai/
https://x.com/LIONLOVERS5/status/1741027845902622938?s=20
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Czi0Q2jK3f4/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C09kpnDKnZy/
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-30-2023
Appears that Mahiwa used to be three brothers when took over from Chimro males in late 2019.
[video=facebook]https://www.facebook.com/lionsoftheafricanwildlife/posts/pfbid02M4NDWq6jCEKMKJQGjsvCTJyy8x4Z7VUebAPniknaFjfwFfuPC2mtL221stt1Vycfl[/video]
https://www.facebook.com/lionsoftheafricanwildlife/posts/pfbid02M4NDWq6jCEKMKJQGjsvCTJyy8x4Z7VUebAPniknaFjfwFfuPC2mtL221stt1Vycfl
One of the three Mahiwa lions in Nov 2019 when they were fighting Chimro males for territory, at a quite young age.
*This image is copyright of its original author
https://www.facebook.com/lionsoftheafricanwildlife/photos/a.2117956054932107/2644253768968997/?__cft__[0]=AZVuHQS8YkhB51KE3DcocxbLmSbJ4Zwp1UuRg0p-Oez4zEpT9ynZcWcxjNbwUvJvsmKhxo3BTcD64RNerpApvbJuJTorQOIkrlgfm-b1J84ilyV7_ZgHlM5hqLsHQxiPw6o&__tn__=EH-R
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - GhostCatP-22 - 12-30-2023
Their fathers are still around too?
Thank you for this thread…I know nothing about the prides and Lion dynamics and I’m sure we all appreciate you starting this thread, thank you!
What’s the overall Lion situation at madikwe? How many lions, prides etc.
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-31-2023
(12-30-2023, 07:01 PM)GhostCatP-22 Wrote: Their fathers are still around too?
Thank you for this thread…I know nothing about the prides and Lion dynamics and I’m sure we all appreciate you starting this thread, thank you!
What’s the overall Lion situation at madikwe? How many lions, prides etc.
I have very little to no information about the lion prides of Madikwe.
The fathers of Madikwe were still around in 2021 at the age of 11 years and that's quite a good age to be able to live.
I'll keep posting as I get more information but I'm not a regular on the platform though I want to be. I understand lion prides/collations dynamics and always find these fascinating.
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-31-2023
Here's Blonde Mahiwa
*This image is copyright of its original author
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-31-2023
Another collation in the reserve is Tswalu collation again of two brothers.
https://www.instagram.com/michael_rads_/reel/CuG_ZHbKMzn/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxFGWoVqq8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
One of the Tswalu males, another handsome lion.
From the information on the second Instagram post, one of the Tswalu brothers got killed in Sept while 3 lionesses of pride were pregnant. (Speculated that other Tswalu lion was killed by Mahiwa brothers, says other FB post).
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Hello - 12-31-2023
Batia brothers (1993 - 2008), first lions which were introduced to Madikwe from Etosha National Park
2001, Batia C and Batia V
*This image is copyright of its original author
2008
Batia C and Batia V
*This image is copyright of its original author
Batia V and Batia C
*This image is copyright of its original author
Credits: Dave Donkin
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/3353258/lentswe-november-decemberpub-north-west-parks
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Hello - 12-31-2023
Naledi brothers, grandsons of Batias (Batias' sons are Dithaba and Sepedi)
*This image is copyright of its original author
https://www.tuningi.com/rangers-journal/a-star-has-fallen/
Either Dithaba or Sepedi
*This image is copyright of its original author
https://photo-africa.blogspot.com/2008/08/lions-batia-brothers-ditaba-sepedi-and.html
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Charan Singh - 12-31-2023
(12-31-2023, 10:13 AM)Hello Wrote: Batia brothers (1993 - 2008), first lions which were introduced to Madikwe from Etosha National Park
2001, Batia C and Batia V
*This image is copyright of its original author
2008
Batia C and Batia V
*This image is copyright of its original author
Batia V and Batia C
*This image is copyright of its original author
Credits: Dave Donkin
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/3353258/lentswe-november-decemberpub-north-west-parks
Oh yes, Batias lions were large, especially compared to Sabi Sands lions.
They had one of the longest tenures as kings. Here is a video sharing more details of the legendary collation.
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - Hello - 12-31-2023
RE: Madikwe Game Reserve Lions - EBReact - 03-22-2024
Thank you for initiating this thread on the Lions of Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, particularly highlighting the Mahiwa collation. Madikwe Game Reserve indeed stands out as a remarkable conservation area with a rich history and diverse wildlife.
The transformation of former farmland into a provincial park showcases the positive impact of sustainable conservation practices on local communities and ecosystems. Madikwe's vast expanse and strategic location contribute to its significance as the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa, offering a habitat for a wide range of iconic species.
The unique blend of Kalahari and Bushveld environments within Madikwe creates a biodiverse ecosystem, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. The collaborative efforts between Madikwe and Pilanesberg National Park further enhance conservation initiatives and promote the preservation of South Africa's natural heritage.
Looking forward to delving deeper into discussions about the Lions of Madikwe and other fascinating aspects of this exceptional game reserve.