There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(09-05-2020, 12:40 AM)TinoArmando Wrote: Impossible to our eye.
Graeme spent a lot of time with him in Kruger.
So he might be right as he might be wrong, nobody knows
The Mountain pride and cubs were seen in good condition with full bellies on a few occasions. Although the cubs aren’t fully accustomed to vehicles, it is evident that they are taking their cue from the older lionesses and slowly warming up to our presence.
This Shishangaan pride was seen regularly around the N’wanetsi River. The pride now consists of five lionesses with six cubs. Unfortunately, some of the cubs contracted mange, and one of the cubs had succumbed to the effects of this disease. It is always sad to see sick and weak animals, but this is Nature’s way of ensuring the fittest and strongest will survive to pass on the best genes to the next generation. It does however appear that the remaining cubs are slowly recovering from this naturally occurring disease.
The remaining Kumana male with the droopy lip was seen mating with one of the females from the Shishangaan pride, so the prospects of additional cubs joining this pride in less than four months is high. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
The Mananga pride was seen on a few occasions on the property trailing the large herds of buffalo that are now frequenting the basalt plains. Although no kill was witnessed it was evident that they were in good condition and the cubs are growing strong. They were also seen with Xihamham, the dominant member of the Shishangaan male coalition.
The other two members of Shishangaan male coalition were seen apart from Xihamham, but we’ve heard reports that one of the brothers might have been severely injured during a skirmish between other lions or during a failed hunt.
Being situated in the Kruger National Park, which is the roughly the same size as Wales, New Jersey and Swaziland, we have a large number of nomadic or neighbouring prides wandering through our concession. This is always exciting as we are reminded just how unpredictable the bush is. This month alone we have had a coalition of five young males that are spending more time close to the western boundary of our property. Their roars can be heard around the staff camp. It will be interesting to see if these cats will start to take up residence as they might start to challenge both the remaining Kumana male and the Shishangaan males.
One of the Boyela males photographed last year on the H1-7 near Boyela watering hole on route to Babalala picnic spot in the North Image credit: Adele Sneyd
Coalitions of Kruger National Park
