Lion tales

[Gijima]

History of Southern Sabi Sands (2014-present) 
Credit: Anthony Hattingh/ Images: Sabi Sabi, Lion Sands

At the time of my arrival at Lion Sands, Sabi Sand in late 2014, there were four lion groups present in this territory: the Sand River coalition (three adult males who were dominant over three of the six Southern pride females); the Southern pride (six adult females, three of whom had broken off and become independent); the Hilda’s Rock pride (a single female and young male); and lastly the remnants of the Charleston pride (a single female and two subadult males). Within a year of my arrival, the Sand River males sired four cubs with the three Southern pride females. Then tragedy struck. A scarcity of food after three weeks of unsuccessful hunting left the Southern Pride females unable to produce milk for their young and too weak to defend them. The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs. This act drove the lionesses to leave the Sand River males and rejoin the other three Southern Pride females, becoming a group of six females again, without a dominant male presence.

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Sand River Coalition) 

During their search for the runaway Southern pride and seeking to re-establish their dominance, the Sand River coalition came across the Charleston pride. After chasing off the two subadult males the lone lioness was caring for, they successfully went on to mate and have two cubs with her. But it wasn’t long before things took another bad turn.
Advanced tuberculosis caused one of the males to weaken considerably, while another had his leg broken by a buffalo during a hunting attempt. This brought the Sand River coalition down to just one strong individual. It was at this time that two new players joined the field of battle: the Fourways coalition. These strong, young males took advantage of the weakened Sand River coalition and battled for control of the area and the Southern pride females. One of the Sand River males was killed in the confrontation; the other with tuberculosis ran off and likely succumbed to his illness, never to be seen again; while the third male was seen fleeing into the Kruger National Park, never to return to Lion Sands. The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Fourways Males) 

Out of sight and out of the commotion was a rising dominant power: the two young Charleston males, who would forever change the lion dynamics in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. These lions, who had been lying low since their brush with the Sand River males, were now bigger and more confident. It was their time to forge a legacy of their own. An overnight battle ensued, the Fourways males were chased off, and the Charleston males became the new kings of Lion Sands. The two males were easy to identify because the one, known as Mazino, meaning ‘tooth’ in the local Shangaan language, had a canine tooth that hung out of his lower jaw. It’s believed that sometime between 2014 and 2015, the pair was out hunting giraffe when Mazino was kicked in the jaw by one, knocking out his bottom tooth, which managed to hang on by a bit of gum. This look made the Charleston males a very distinguishable coalition.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston Males) 

Quickly, the Charleston males and Southern pride females established themselves as the dominant pride in 2015. Any competing prides were attacked and chased off. Wisely, the Charleston female took her two cubs and hid them from her nephews, out of fear that they might kill little ones (having been fathered by the Sand River males).
It was during this time that the Charleston males attempted to kill the young Hilda’s Rock male, but were thwarted by the Hilda’s Rock lioness who sprung to his defence. This act of motherly love cost her her life as the Charleston males turned their frustration and fury towards her. The young Hilda’s Rock male escaped, but found himself alone and with the odds set against him.

In his search for security, the Hilda’s Rock male found the Charleston lioness and her two young male cubs. Of course, her first reaction was to treat the subadult male with distrust and almost immediately chased him off. But the young Hilda’s rock male persisted and little by little, she began to tolerate his presence. Over time, he moved closer and closer to the group, until one day the cubs approached him and he treated them like his own siblings. Thus, the Charleston pride gained another member and the Hilda’s Rock male foundsupport and protection. But the entire ordeal led to the Hilda’s Rock male losing his mane due to stress and it took months for it to grow back.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male/ Charleston Pride)

During this time, tragedy struck the Southern pride females when one of the lionesses was caught in a snare while patrolling the Kruger National Park. We attempted to remove the snare, but sadly she passed away while under anaesthetic. This left the Southern pride with five females. The year 2017 brought one of the worst droughts in recent years to hit South Africa. This was the boom period for the Charleston males and the Southern pride females as the group of seven took full advantage of the weakened state of the prey around them. Soon, fifteen cubs were born! This brought their pride’s numbers up to an impressive 22 members – at the time, making them one of the largest prides in the Sabi Sand. With the Charleston males in control, they ruled without competition or fear. But one night, everything changed again…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston male with cubs)

One evening in the early summer of 2018, the Charleston males heard the call of an intruder coming from their territory on the other side of the Sabie River. Quickly, they ran to confront this possible new threat, but what they were not aware of was that the Sabie River was slowly rising. When they returned to cross back over the river, they found themselves stuck. They called to their pride and the lionesses came with the cubs and stood on the opposite bank, calling back. This continued for a few days, until the males were forced to find food on their side of the river. In their search, they came across another pride of fertile females and no dominant males. This led to the Charleston males staying on and mating with the new females. Even when the river lowered, the Charleston males spent more time on the other side with this new pride. Over time, they eventually abandoned the Southern pride and moved further into the Kruger National Park.

During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. Yet again, we were saddened by the passing of a protective mother. Thankfully, her young lions escaped and with the Hilda’s Rock male to look out for them, their chances of survival were a little stronger.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male & Charleston cub) 

Following the abandonment of the Charleston males, the Southern pride were left to fend for themselves, with no males to help bring down large prey or protect their cubs from other male lions who came into their home territory. And this is when the Avoca males came into the game…These two males, born in 2013, were from the Avoca pride in the Timbavati. They became nomadic in 2016, pushing further and further south in search of a territory of their own. As a coalition of only two, their chances of taking over territories controlled by larger coalitions were slim. After arriving at Lion Sands, it was a good full year before they made any kind of territorial stand.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Young Avocas)

But this new presence was a threat to the Southern pride who retreated further west towards the fence line, where they had some cover from the unexpected invaders. Until another presence appeared… The N’waswishaka pride. Pressed from all sides now, the Southern pride took a gamble that would lead to their ultimate demise: they left their established territory and pushed north. This mistake walked them right into a hostile pride that quickly descended on them. The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands.

Meanwhile in the Kruger National Park, one of the young Charleston males became a victim of a snare. Yet again we stepped in, but it was too late. This was tragic news, as the brother of this male was now alone with no companion to stand with. Thankfully, the Hilda’s Rock male returned and took him under his wing – also with the help of another older male known as Solo. Off the three ventured together to find a new home deeper in the Kruger.

With all the previous prides in the area gone, the Avoca males began to establish themselves as the dominant presence in Lion Sands. The Avocas would roar in confidence – until one day, they got a thundering roar back, coming from along the Sabie River. The Avocas had caught the ears of the old kings of Lion Sands. The Charleston males charged back into Lion Sands, sending the Avocas running east. This moment of excitement for the return of the old kings was short lived with the Charleston males leaving as quickly as they had arrived. It would be a long while before we saw them in Lion Sands again. Afterwards it took some time, but the Avocas re-established themselves as the dominate presence on Lion Sands. There was just one problem: a distinct lack of females in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. We had two kings with no queens.
This caused them to wander further east and eventually they came across the Eyrefield pride on a neighbouring property, Toulon. It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves. They became dominant over the Eyrefield pride, with who they have one surviving cub. They are now also dominant over the Sand River pride and have six cubs between the three females. We seldom see them anymore on our property, which left a vacant throne.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Lone Sparta Female & cub) 

Three young, strong lions known as the Tsalala males briefly came into the area and set about establishing themselves, but this was short lived. Two of the males tragically died by a faulty power line in the Kruger National Park. A giraffe had walked into the power line and was electrocuted. Unaware of the danger, the two males had approached and attempted to feed, but they too were electrocuted as the giraffe was still touching the line.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Tsalala Males) 

But the throne never sits empty for long… Soon, there were new players in the game: the N’waswishaka males (now independent from the N’waswishaka pride). These four males gained a reputation for being frustrating to track and find. They tended to retreat into a very dense sickle bush thicket, which made off-roading and locating them nearly impossible. This behaviour inspired a new name for their coalition: the ‘Ndhzenga’ males (meaning sickle-bush) after their fondness for that area. Getting these males to relax around us required a lot of perseverance by both the guides and trackers, but eventually they became more comfortable with our vehicles. The Ndzhenga males are now the dominant presence in Lion Sands, but there have been some interesting developments since my return following lockdown…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Ndhzenga/ N'waswitshala Males) 

There is a new group of queens, the Styx pride (four lionesses and two subadult males) on the scene and for the time being, it looks like the Ndzhenga males are interested in taking this pride over (they have been seen mating). One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead) and if the Ndzhenga’s do stick with the Styx, who knows what the future holds for the remaining subadult males within this pride.


The ‘game of thrones’ and battle for the Lion Sands, Sabi Sand kingdom continues…
Reply

[Tr1x24]

Wow what a article @Gijima..

I never heard of so many things here.. 

Like Sand Rivers killing their own cubs because they where hungry, that Fourways killed 1 of the Sand Rivers, that Charlestons killed last Hildas Rock lioness and that they killed their aunt who raised them (Wtf??), Nwaswitshaka pride decimated Southern Pride etc. 

Great article!! Reply

[Potato]

(01-05-2021, 01:55 AM)Gijima Wrote: History of Southern Sabi Sands (2014-present) 
Credit: Anthony Hattingh/ Images: Sabi Sabi, Lion Sands

At the time of my arrival at Lion Sands, Sabi Sand in late 2014, there were four lion groups present in this territory: the Sand River coalition (three adult males who were dominant over three of the six Southern pride females); the Southern pride (six adult females, three of whom had broken off and become independent); the Hilda’s Rock pride (a single female and young male); and lastly the remnants of the Charleston pride (a single female and two subadult males). Within a year of my arrival, the Sand River males sired four cubs with the three Southern pride females. Then tragedy struck. A scarcity of food after three weeks of unsuccessful hunting left the Southern Pride females unable to produce milk for their young and too weak to defend them. The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs. This act drove the lionesses to leave the Sand River males and rejoin the other three Southern Pride females, becoming a group of six females again, without a dominant male presence.

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Sand River Coalition) 

During their search for the runaway Southern pride and seeking to re-establish their dominance, the Sand River coalition came across the Charleston pride. After chasing off the two subadult males the lone lioness was caring for, they successfully went on to mate and have two cubs with her. But it wasn’t long before things took another bad turn.
Advanced tuberculosis caused one of the males to weaken considerably, while another had his leg broken by a buffalo during a hunting attempt. This brought the Sand River coalition down to just one strong individual. It was at this time that two new players joined the field of battle: the Fourways coalition. These strong, young males took advantage of the weakened Sand River coalition and battled for control of the area and the Southern pride females. One of the Sand River males was killed in the confrontation; the other with tuberculosis ran off and likely succumbed to his illness, never to be seen again; while the third male was seen fleeing into the Kruger National Park, never to return to Lion Sands. The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Fourways Males) 

Out of sight and out of the commotion was a rising dominant power: the two young Charleston males, who would forever change the lion dynamics in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. These lions, who had been lying low since their brush with the Sand River males, were now bigger and more confident. It was their time to forge a legacy of their own. An overnight battle ensued, the Fourways males were chased off, and the Charleston males became the new kings of Lion Sands. The two males were easy to identify because the one, known as Mazino, meaning ‘tooth’ in the local Shangaan language, had a canine tooth that hung out of his lower jaw. It’s believed that sometime between 2014 and 2015, the pair was out hunting giraffe when Mazino was kicked in the jaw by one, knocking out his bottom tooth, which managed to hang on by a bit of gum. This look made the Charleston males a very distinguishable coalition.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston Males) 

Quickly, the Charleston males and Southern pride females established themselves as the dominant pride in 2015. Any competing prides were attacked and chased off. Wisely, the Charleston female took her two cubs and hid them from her nephews, out of fear that they might kill little ones (having been fathered by the Sand River males).
It was during this time that the Charleston males attempted to kill the young Hilda’s Rock male, but were thwarted by the Hilda’s Rock lioness who sprung to his defence. This act of motherly love cost her her life as the Charleston males turned their frustration and fury towards her. The young Hilda’s Rock male escaped, but found himself alone and with the odds set against him.

In his search for security, the Hilda’s Rock male found the Charleston lioness and her two young male cubs. Of course, her first reaction was to treat the subadult male with distrust and almost immediately chased him off. But the young Hilda’s rock male persisted and little by little, she began to tolerate his presence. Over time, he moved closer and closer to the group, until one day the cubs approached him and he treated them like his own siblings. Thus, the Charleston pride gained another member and the Hilda’s Rock male foundsupport and protection. But the entire ordeal led to the Hilda’s Rock male losing his mane due to stress and it took months for it to grow back.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male/ Charleston Pride)

During this time, tragedy struck the Southern pride females when one of the lionesses was caught in a snare while patrolling the Kruger National Park. We attempted to remove the snare, but sadly she passed away while under anaesthetic. This left the Southern pride with five females. The year 2017 brought one of the worst droughts in recent years to hit South Africa. This was the boom period for the Charleston males and the Southern pride females as the group of seven took full advantage of the weakened state of the prey around them. Soon, fifteen cubs were born! This brought their pride’s numbers up to an impressive 22 members – at the time, making them one of the largest prides in the Sabi Sand. With the Charleston males in control, they ruled without competition or fear. But one night, everything changed again…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston male with cubs)

One evening in the early summer of 2018, the Charleston males heard the call of an intruder coming from their territory on the other side of the Sabie River. Quickly, they ran to confront this possible new threat, but what they were not aware of was that the Sabie River was slowly rising. When they returned to cross back over the river, they found themselves stuck. They called to their pride and the lionesses came with the cubs and stood on the opposite bank, calling back. This continued for a few days, until the males were forced to find food on their side of the river. In their search, they came across another pride of fertile females and no dominant males. This led to the Charleston males staying on and mating with the new females. Even when the river lowered, the Charleston males spent more time on the other side with this new pride. Over time, they eventually abandoned the Southern pride and moved further into the Kruger National Park.

During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. Yet again, we were saddened by the passing of a protective mother. Thankfully, her young lions escaped and with the Hilda’s Rock male to look out for them, their chances of survival were a little stronger.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male & Charleston cub) 

Following the abandonment of the Charleston males, the Southern pride were left to fend for themselves, with no males to help bring down large prey or protect their cubs from other male lions who came into their home territory. And this is when the Avoca males came into the game…These two males, born in 2013, were from the Avoca pride in the Timbavati. They became nomadic in 2016, pushing further and further south in search of a territory of their own. As a coalition of only two, their chances of taking over territories controlled by larger coalitions were slim. After arriving at Lion Sands, it was a good full year before they made any kind of territorial stand.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Young Avocas)

But this new presence was a threat to the Southern pride who retreated further west towards the fence line, where they had some cover from the unexpected invaders. Until another presence appeared… The N’waswishaka pride. Pressed from all sides now, the Southern pride took a gamble that would lead to their ultimate demise: they left their established territory and pushed north. This mistake walked them right into a hostile pride that quickly descended on them. The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands.

Meanwhile in the Kruger National Park, one of the young Charleston males became a victim of a snare. Yet again we stepped in, but it was too late. This was tragic news, as the brother of this male was now alone with no companion to stand with. Thankfully, the Hilda’s Rock male returned and took him under his wing – also with the help of another older male known as Solo. Off the three ventured together to find a new home deeper in the Kruger.

With all the previous prides in the area gone, the Avoca males began to establish themselves as the dominant presence in Lion Sands. The Avocas would roar in confidence – until one day, they got a thundering roar back, coming from along the Sabie River. The Avocas had caught the ears of the old kings of Lion Sands. The Charleston males charged back into Lion Sands, sending the Avocas running east. This moment of excitement for the return of the old kings was short lived with the Charleston males leaving as quickly as they had arrived. It would be a long while before we saw them in Lion Sands again. Afterwards it took some time, but the Avocas re-established themselves as the dominate presence on Lion Sands. There was just one problem: a distinct lack of females in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. We had two kings with no queens.
This caused them to wander further east and eventually they came across the Eyrefield pride on a neighbouring property, Toulon. It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves. They became dominant over the Eyrefield pride, with who they have one surviving cub. They are now also dominant over the Sand River pride and have six cubs between the three females. We seldom see them anymore on our property, which left a vacant throne.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Lone Sparta Female & cub) 

Three young, strong lions known as the Tsalala males briefly came into the area and set about establishing themselves, but this was short lived. Two of the males tragically died by a faulty power line in the Kruger National Park. A giraffe had walked into the power line and was electrocuted. Unaware of the danger, the two males had approached and attempted to feed, but they too were electrocuted as the giraffe was still touching the line.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Tsalala Males) 

But the throne never sits empty for long… Soon, there were new players in the game: the N’waswishaka males (now independent from the N’waswishaka pride). These four males gained a reputation for being frustrating to track and find. They tended to retreat into a very dense sickle bush thicket, which made off-roading and locating them nearly impossible. This behaviour inspired a new name for their coalition: the ‘Ndhzenga’ males (meaning sickle-bush) after their fondness for that area. Getting these males to relax around us required a lot of perseverance by both the guides and trackers, but eventually they became more comfortable with our vehicles. The Ndzhenga males are now the dominant presence in Lion Sands, but there have been some interesting developments since my return following lockdown…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Ndhzenga/ N'waswitshala Males) 

There is a new group of queens, the Styx pride (four lionesses and two subadult males) on the scene and for the time being, it looks like the Ndzhenga males are interested in taking this pride over (they have been seen mating). One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead) and if the Ndzhenga’s do stick with the Styx, who knows what the future holds for the remaining subadult males within this pride.


The ‘game of thrones’ and battle for the Lion Sands, Sabi Sand kingdom continues…

Good stuff althrought there are few mistakes in it I believe. It looks to me like guide mixed some facts (event which he know happened) with assumptions (events he did not know just filled with assumptions). Some of which I would point out are:

"The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs."

Can't deny it 100%, but it sounds quite unlikely and Sabi Sabi never reported such think.

"During their search for the runaway Southern pride and seeking to re-establish their dominance, the Sand River coalition came across the Charleston pride. After chasing off the two subadult males the lone lioness was caring for, they successfully went on to mate and have two cubs with her. But it wasn’t long before things took another bad turn."

Mala Mala never reported any encounter between Sand River males and Charleston pride beside this well known confrontation 1vs1 between Charleston male and Sand River male. Those two mentioned cubs were basicly for sure sired by Fourway males. Fourways spent by that time a lot of time with Charleston female, before they tookover Southern pride.

"Advanced tuberculosis caused one of the males to weaken considerably, while another had his leg broken by a buffalo during a hunting attempt. This brought the Sand River coalition down to just one strong individual. It was at this time that two new players joined the field of battle: the Fourways coalition. These strong, young males took advantage of the weakened Sand River coalition and battled for control of the area and the Southern pride females. One of the Sand River males was killed in the confrontation; the other with tuberculosis ran off and likely succumbed to his illness, never to be seen again; while the third male was seen fleeing into the Kruger National Park, never to return to Lion Sands"

I wonder how much of this is actually truth, Sand River males were spending more a more time in Kruger yet before arrival of Fourways males. I didn't know that they put any resitance to Fourways takeover of Southern pride. I thought Sand Rives did not care anymore about Southern pride at that point. I also did not know 2 of the 3 Sand River males died by that time.

"The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…"

Fourways started to takeover Southern pride in mid 2015 and lose control to Charleston males in late 2016 so they reigned for nearly 1 and half year.

"Wisely, the Charleston female took her two cubs and hid them from her nephews, out of fear that they might kill little ones (having been fathered by the Sand River males)."
"During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. Yet again, we were saddened by the passing of a protective mother."

Charleston males were seen multiple times with their aunty and her cubs and were showing no agression towards them what so ever, so I find that story very hard to believe.

 "The N’waswishaka pride. Pressed from all sides now, the Southern pride took a gamble that would lead to their ultimate demise: they left their established territory and pushed north. This mistake walked them right into a hostile pride that quickly descended on them. The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands."

There were no reports of Southern pride being beaten up by any pride from the north by any lodge.

"It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves. They became dominant over the Eyrefield pride"

Avocas, not Charlestons.

"Three young, strong lions known as the Tsalala males briefly came into the area and set about establishing themselves, but this was short lived. Two of the males tragically died by a faulty power line in the Kruger National Park. A giraffe had walked into the power line and was electrocuted. Unaware of the danger, the two males had approached and attempted to feed, but they too were electrocuted as the giraffe was still touching the line."

Worth mentioning (especially since it happened at Lion Sands) that they actually fought Avocas ealier for a dominance over Sparta pride althrough they came up second best. 

"One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead)"

He is very alive and never was presumed dead.  Reply

[Potato]

(01-05-2021, 02:27 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote: Wow what a article @Gijima..

I never heard of so many things here.. 

Like Sand Rivers killing their own cubs because they where hungry, that Fourways killed 1 of the Sand Rivers, that Charlestons killed last Hildas Rock lioness and that they killed their aunt who raised them (Wtf??), Nwaswitshaka pride decimated Southern Pride etc. 

Great article!!

There was writen that Nwaswitshaka pride pushed Southern pride further north and some pride from the north destroyed Southern pride. Reply

[Gijima]

I wonder if some of these facts may just be things we didn't know because they happened in Lion Sands, and Lion Sands never put out reports like the other reserves? I agree though, there were a few things that I'm not 100% sold on... like the Charleston Males killing their aunt. 

Southern Pride- Their history has to be the most confusing. I know the Sparta Pride got into a lot of conflicts with the young Kambulas and lost 1 or 2 lioness... but who did the Southern Pride fight with to loose so many members? Reply

[Potato]

"I wonder if some of these facts may just be things we didn't know because they happened in Lion Sands, and Lion Sands never put out reports like the other reserves"

They were actually making blogs in the past. From Lion Sands we know about Avocas vs Tsalalas and Avocas vs Charlestons. They never made any blog about any encounter between Fourways and Sand Rivers tho.

"Southern Pride- Their history has to be the most confusing. I know the Sparta Pride got into a lot of conflicts with the young Kambulas and lost 1 or 2 lioness... but who did the Southern Pride fight with to loose so many members?"


I do not know either althrough for sure they were not killed off by another pride. It could be that they were not good enough hunters to feed themselfs. They had such problems in the past like one mentioned in that blog. Also they were few nomadic coalitions moving through their territory so they also could harm some of Southern pride members.  Reply

[Tr1x24]

(01-05-2021, 03:10 AM)Potato Wrote: Fourways started to takeover Southern pride in mid 2015 and lose control to Charleston males in late 2016 so they reigned for nearly 1 and half year.

No, they lost control in very early 2016,not late 2016..they where only few months in charge..

And yes, it might be that Southern Pride killed last Charleston female, and not Charleston males. Reply

[Potato]

(01-05-2021, 10:22 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote:

(01-05-2021, 03:10 AM)Potato Wrote: Fourways started to takeover Southern pride in mid 2015 and lose control to Charleston males in late 2016 so they reigned for nearly 1 and half year.

No, they lost control in very early 2016,not late 2016..they where only few months in charge..

And yes, it might be that Southern Pride killed last Charleston female, and not Charleston males.

Acctually you're correct. My bad. Fourways started to takeover in July 2015 and the last time they were seen with Salati females were November 2015 so  3-4 months rule. Reply

[Cath2020]

(01-05-2021, 01:55 AM)Gijima Wrote: History of Southern Sabi Sands (2014-present) 
Credit: Anthony Hattingh/ Images: Sabi Sabi, Lion Sands

At the time of my arrival at Lion Sands, Sabi Sand in late 2014, there were four lion groups present in this territory: the Sand River coalition (three adult males who were dominant over three of the six Southern pride females); the Southern pride (six adult females, three of whom had broken off and become independent); the Hilda’s Rock pride (a single female and young male); and lastly the remnants of the Charleston pride (a single female and two subadult males). Within a year of my arrival, the Sand River males sired four cubs with the three Southern pride females. Then tragedy struck. A scarcity of food after three weeks of unsuccessful hunting left the Southern Pride females unable to produce milk for their young and too weak to defend them. The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs. This act drove the lionesses to leave the Sand River males and rejoin the other three Southern Pride females, becoming a group of six females again, without a dominant male presence.

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Sand River Coalition) 

During their search for the runaway Southern pride and seeking to re-establish their dominance, the Sand River coalition came across the Charleston pride. After chasing off the two subadult males the lone lioness was caring for, they successfully went on to mate and have two cubs with her. But it wasn’t long before things took another bad turn.
Advanced tuberculosis caused one of the males to weaken considerably, while another had his leg broken by a buffalo during a hunting attempt. This brought the Sand River coalition down to just one strong individual. It was at this time that two new players joined the field of battle: the Fourways coalition. These strong, young males took advantage of the weakened Sand River coalition and battled for control of the area and the Southern pride females. One of the Sand River males was killed in the confrontation; the other with tuberculosis ran off and likely succumbed to his illness, never to be seen again; while the third male was seen fleeing into the Kruger National Park, never to return to Lion Sands. The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Fourways Males) 

Out of sight and out of the commotion was a rising dominant power: the two young Charleston males, who would forever change the lion dynamics in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. These lions, who had been lying low since their brush with the Sand River males, were now bigger and more confident. It was their time to forge a legacy of their own. An overnight battle ensued, the Fourways males were chased off, and the Charleston males became the new kings of Lion Sands. The two males were easy to identify because the one, known as Mazino, meaning ‘tooth’ in the local Shangaan language, had a canine tooth that hung out of his lower jaw. It’s believed that sometime between 2014 and 2015, the pair was out hunting giraffe when Mazino was kicked in the jaw by one, knocking out his bottom tooth, which managed to hang on by a bit of gum. This look made the Charleston males a very distinguishable coalition.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston Males) 

Quickly, the Charleston males and Southern pride females established themselves as the dominant pride in 2015. Any competing prides were attacked and chased off. Wisely, the Charleston female took her two cubs and hid them from her nephews, out of fear that they might kill little ones (having been fathered by the Sand River males).
It was during this time that the Charleston males attempted to kill the young Hilda’s Rock male, but were thwarted by the Hilda’s Rock lioness who sprung to his defence. This act of motherly love cost her her life as the Charleston males turned their frustration and fury towards her. The young Hilda’s Rock male escaped, but found himself alone and with the odds set against him.

In his search for security, the Hilda’s Rock male found the Charleston lioness and her two young male cubs. Of course, her first reaction was to treat the subadult male with distrust and almost immediately chased him off. But the young Hilda’s rock male persisted and little by little, she began to tolerate his presence. Over time, he moved closer and closer to the group, until one day the cubs approached him and he treated them like his own siblings. Thus, the Charleston pride gained another member and the Hilda’s Rock male foundsupport and protection. But the entire ordeal led to the Hilda’s Rock male losing his mane due to stress and it took months for it to grow back.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male/ Charleston Pride)

During this time, tragedy struck the Southern pride females when one of the lionesses was caught in a snare while patrolling the Kruger National Park. We attempted to remove the snare, but sadly she passed away while under anaesthetic. This left the Southern pride with five females. The year 2017 brought one of the worst droughts in recent years to hit South Africa. This was the boom period for the Charleston males and the Southern pride females as the group of seven took full advantage of the weakened state of the prey around them. Soon, fifteen cubs were born! This brought their pride’s numbers up to an impressive 22 members – at the time, making them one of the largest prides in the Sabi Sand. With the Charleston males in control, they ruled without competition or fear. But one night, everything changed again…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston male with cubs)

One evening in the early summer of 2018, the Charleston males heard the call of an intruder coming from their territory on the other side of the Sabie River. Quickly, they ran to confront this possible new threat, but what they were not aware of was that the Sabie River was slowly rising. When they returned to cross back over the river, they found themselves stuck. They called to their pride and the lionesses came with the cubs and stood on the opposite bank, calling back. This continued for a few days, until the males were forced to find food on their side of the river. In their search, they came across another pride of fertile females and no dominant males. This led to the Charleston males staying on and mating with the new females. Even when the river lowered, the Charleston males spent more time on the other side with this new pride. Over time, they eventually abandoned the Southern pride and moved further into the Kruger National Park.

During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. Yet again, we were saddened by the passing of a protective mother. Thankfully, her young lions escaped and with the Hilda’s Rock male to look out for them, their chances of survival were a little stronger.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male & Charleston cub) 

Following the abandonment of the Charleston males, the Southern pride were left to fend for themselves, with no males to help bring down large prey or protect their cubs from other male lions who came into their home territory. And this is when the Avoca males came into the game…These two males, born in 2013, were from the Avoca pride in the Timbavati. They became nomadic in 2016, pushing further and further south in search of a territory of their own. As a coalition of only two, their chances of taking over territories controlled by larger coalitions were slim. After arriving at Lion Sands, it was a good full year before they made any kind of territorial stand.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Young Avocas)

But this new presence was a threat to the Southern pride who retreated further west towards the fence line, where they had some cover from the unexpected invaders. Until another presence appeared… The N’waswishaka pride. Pressed from all sides now, the Southern pride took a gamble that would lead to their ultimate demise: they left their established territory and pushed north. This mistake walked them right into a hostile pride that quickly descended on them. The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands.

Meanwhile in the Kruger National Park, one of the young Charleston males became a victim of a snare. Yet again we stepped in, but it was too late. This was tragic news, as the brother of this male was now alone with no companion to stand with. Thankfully, the Hilda’s Rock male returned and took him under his wing – also with the help of another older male known as Solo. Off the three ventured together to find a new home deeper in the Kruger.

With all the previous prides in the area gone, the Avoca males began to establish themselves as the dominant presence in Lion Sands. The Avocas would roar in confidence – until one day, they got a thundering roar back, coming from along the Sabie River. The Avocas had caught the ears of the old kings of Lion Sands. The Charleston males charged back into Lion Sands, sending the Avocas running east. This moment of excitement for the return of the old kings was short lived with the Charleston males leaving as quickly as they had arrived. It would be a long while before we saw them in Lion Sands again. Afterwards it took some time, but the Avocas re-established themselves as the dominate presence on Lion Sands. There was just one problem: a distinct lack of females in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. We had two kings with no queens.
This caused them to wander further east and eventually they came across the Eyrefield pride on a neighbouring property, Toulon. It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves. They became dominant over the Eyrefield pride, with who they have one surviving cub. They are now also dominant over the Sand River pride and have six cubs between the three females. We seldom see them anymore on our property, which left a vacant throne.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Lone Sparta Female & cub) 

Three young, strong lions known as the Tsalala males briefly came into the area and set about establishing themselves, but this was short lived. Two of the males tragically died by a faulty power line in the Kruger National Park. A giraffe had walked into the power line and was electrocuted. Unaware of the danger, the two males had approached and attempted to feed, but they too were electrocuted as the giraffe was still touching the line.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Tsalala Males) 

But the throne never sits empty for long… Soon, there were new players in the game: the N’waswishaka males (now independent from the N’waswishaka pride). These four males gained a reputation for being frustrating to track and find. They tended to retreat into a very dense sickle bush thicket, which made off-roading and locating them nearly impossible. This behaviour inspired a new name for their coalition: the ‘Ndhzenga’ males (meaning sickle-bush) after their fondness for that area. Getting these males to relax around us required a lot of perseverance by both the guides and trackers, but eventually they became more comfortable with our vehicles. The Ndzhenga males are now the dominant presence in Lion Sands, but there have been some interesting developments since my return following lockdown…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Ndhzenga/ N'waswitshala Males) 

There is a new group of queens, the Styx pride (four lionesses and two subadult males) on the scene and for the time being, it looks like the Ndzhenga males are interested in taking this pride over (they have been seen mating). One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead) and if the Ndzhenga’s do stick with the Styx, who knows what the future holds for the remaining subadult males within this pride.


The ‘game of thrones’ and battle for the Lion Sands, Sabi Sand kingdom continues…

Within a year of my arrival, the Sand River males sired four cubs with the three Southern pride females. Then tragedy struck. A scarcity of food after three weeks of unsuccessful hunting left the Southern Pride females unable to produce milk for their young and too weak to defend them. The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs. 

Interesting piece of information!  This might be the case, as someone mentioned, that the lionesses were somewhat poor hunters.... Three weeks without food and then the cubs' own father ate them??  Maybe, it was because of 'a scarcity of food' as the narrator hints, or it may be simply a lack of hunting skills.  His opinion, but no other prides in that area were affected either so.....


The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…

Well, this means that the Southern Pride female is probably the daughter of the Charleston Males if the Fourways didn't stick around more than 2-3 months.  The odds are greater that she's the Charleston Males' offspring for sure.  Plus, in one footage where she turned her head to look towards the camera, I thought she had a very Charleston look to her.  Afterwards, I became more sure which males probably sired her...


Quickly, the Charleston males and Southern pride females established themselves as the dominant pride in 2015. Any competing prides were attacked and chased off.

This is more confirmation that the Charlestons more likely sired the lone Southern Pride lioness.


The year 2017 brought one of the worst droughts in recent years to hit South Africa. This was the boom period for the Charleston males and the Southern pride females as the group of seven took full advantage of the weakened state of the prey around them. Soon, fifteen cubs were born! 

Basically, the Charlestons had a mix of sub-adults and cubs by the time they separated due to the flooding and then moved on to other prides.  


One evening in the early summer of 2018, the Charleston males heard the call of an intruder coming from their territory on the other side of the Sabie River. Quickly, they ran to confront this possible new threat, but what they were not aware of was that the Sabie River was slowly rising. When they returned to cross back over the river, they found themselves stuck. They called to their pride and the lionesses came with the cubs and stood on the opposite bank, calling back. 

According to this narrator, the Charlestons were the lead males of the Southern Pride from 2015 to 2018!  That's enough of a long period to successfully sire and produce cubs to adulthood.  The lone Southern Pride lioness is probably one of the only few survivors of what was once many offspring from them, unfortunately.


During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. 

Well, this makes sense if they also attacked the Hilda Rock's lioness!  Lions are KNOWN to attack and kill relatives.  Even lionesses will do this.  We recall the Kambulas attacking their grandmother, a Kambula lioness killing the cubs of one of her own sisters, the Black Dam Male possibly being finished off by his adult sons in a take-over, Mr. T killing off his brothers' cubs, other example given in a private reserve of sons taking out the eye of their father and leaving him a tiny piece of territory in a corner of the reserve after taking over his pride. And other examples too numerous to mention. In addition, these males had ALREADY killed another female, the Hilda's Rock lioness.  Their drive to dominate was in full force by then....


 And this is when the Avoca males came into the game…These two males, born in 2013, were from the Avoca pride in the Timbavati.

The Avocas came from the Timbavati.  This means they dispersed reasonable well, making them a rather valuable addition to the bloodline of lions in the Sabi Sands area.  Many males these days won't even leave the reserve they were born in!   Reply

[Cath2020]

(01-05-2021, 01:55 AM)Gijima Wrote: History of Southern Sabi Sands (2014-present) 
Credit: Anthony Hattingh/ Images: Sabi Sabi, Lion Sands

At the time of my arrival at Lion Sands, Sabi Sand in late 2014, there were four lion groups present in this territory: the Sand River coalition (three adult males who were dominant over three of the six Southern pride females); the Southern pride (six adult females, three of whom had broken off and become independent); the Hilda’s Rock pride (a single female and young male); and lastly the remnants of the Charleston pride (a single female and two subadult males). Within a year of my arrival, the Sand River males sired four cubs with the three Southern pride females. Then tragedy struck. A scarcity of food after three weeks of unsuccessful hunting left the Southern Pride females unable to produce milk for their young and too weak to defend them. The Sand River males, driven by hunger, killed all four of their cubs. This act drove the lionesses to leave the Sand River males and rejoin the other three Southern Pride females, becoming a group of six females again, without a dominant male presence.

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Sand River Coalition) 

During their search for the runaway Southern pride and seeking to re-establish their dominance, the Sand River coalition came across the Charleston pride. After chasing off the two subadult males the lone lioness was caring for, they successfully went on to mate and have two cubs with her. But it wasn’t long before things took another bad turn.
Advanced tuberculosis caused one of the males to weaken considerably, while another had his leg broken by a buffalo during a hunting attempt. This brought the Sand River coalition down to just one strong individual. It was at this time that two new players joined the field of battle: the Fourways coalition. These strong, young males took advantage of the weakened Sand River coalition and battled for control of the area and the Southern pride females. One of the Sand River males was killed in the confrontation; the other with tuberculosis ran off and likely succumbed to his illness, never to be seen again; while the third male was seen fleeing into the Kruger National Park, never to return to Lion Sands. The newly-established Fourways males were now in charge, but their two-month reign was short lived…

*This image is copyright of its original author

(Fourways Males) 

Out of sight and out of the commotion was a rising dominant power: the two young Charleston males, who would forever change the lion dynamics in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. These lions, who had been lying low since their brush with the Sand River males, were now bigger and more confident. It was their time to forge a legacy of their own. An overnight battle ensued, the Fourways males were chased off, and the Charleston males became the new kings of Lion Sands. The two males were easy to identify because the one, known as Mazino, meaning ‘tooth’ in the local Shangaan language, had a canine tooth that hung out of his lower jaw. It’s believed that sometime between 2014 and 2015, the pair was out hunting giraffe when Mazino was kicked in the jaw by one, knocking out his bottom tooth, which managed to hang on by a bit of gum. This look made the Charleston males a very distinguishable coalition.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston Males) 

Quickly, the Charleston males and Southern pride females established themselves as the dominant pride in 2015. Any competing prides were attacked and chased off. Wisely, the Charleston female took her two cubs and hid them from her nephews, out of fear that they might kill little ones (having been fathered by the Sand River males).
It was during this time that the Charleston males attempted to kill the young Hilda’s Rock male, but were thwarted by the Hilda’s Rock lioness who sprung to his defence. This act of motherly love cost her her life as the Charleston males turned their frustration and fury towards her. The young Hilda’s Rock male escaped, but found himself alone and with the odds set against him.

In his search for security, the Hilda’s Rock male found the Charleston lioness and her two young male cubs. Of course, her first reaction was to treat the subadult male with distrust and almost immediately chased him off. But the young Hilda’s rock male persisted and little by little, she began to tolerate his presence. Over time, he moved closer and closer to the group, until one day the cubs approached him and he treated them like his own siblings. Thus, the Charleston pride gained another member and the Hilda’s Rock male foundsupport and protection. But the entire ordeal led to the Hilda’s Rock male losing his mane due to stress and it took months for it to grow back.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male/ Charleston Pride)

During this time, tragedy struck the Southern pride females when one of the lionesses was caught in a snare while patrolling the Kruger National Park. We attempted to remove the snare, but sadly she passed away while under anaesthetic. This left the Southern pride with five females. The year 2017 brought one of the worst droughts in recent years to hit South Africa. This was the boom period for the Charleston males and the Southern pride females as the group of seven took full advantage of the weakened state of the prey around them. Soon, fifteen cubs were born! This brought their pride’s numbers up to an impressive 22 members – at the time, making them one of the largest prides in the Sabi Sand. With the Charleston males in control, they ruled without competition or fear. But one night, everything changed again…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Charleston male with cubs)

One evening in the early summer of 2018, the Charleston males heard the call of an intruder coming from their territory on the other side of the Sabie River. Quickly, they ran to confront this possible new threat, but what they were not aware of was that the Sabie River was slowly rising. When they returned to cross back over the river, they found themselves stuck. They called to their pride and the lionesses came with the cubs and stood on the opposite bank, calling back. This continued for a few days, until the males were forced to find food on their side of the river. In their search, they came across another pride of fertile females and no dominant males. This led to the Charleston males staying on and mating with the new females. Even when the river lowered, the Charleston males spent more time on the other side with this new pride. Over time, they eventually abandoned the Southern pride and moved further into the Kruger National Park.

During that time, which none of us expected, the Charleston males also attacked the Charleston pride! The Charleston lioness stood her ground and defended not only her two cubs, but also the adopted Hilda’s Rock male who was no match for the massive Charleston males. Yet again, we were saddened by the passing of a protective mother. Thankfully, her young lions escaped and with the Hilda’s Rock male to look out for them, their chances of survival were a little stronger.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Hilda's Rock Male & Charleston cub) 

Following the abandonment of the Charleston males, the Southern pride were left to fend for themselves, with no males to help bring down large prey or protect their cubs from other male lions who came into their home territory. And this is when the Avoca males came into the game…These two males, born in 2013, were from the Avoca pride in the Timbavati. They became nomadic in 2016, pushing further and further south in search of a territory of their own. As a coalition of only two, their chances of taking over territories controlled by larger coalitions were slim. After arriving at Lion Sands, it was a good full year before they made any kind of territorial stand.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Young Avocas)

But this new presence was a threat to the Southern pride who retreated further west towards the fence line, where they had some cover from the unexpected invaders. Until another presence appeared… The N’waswishaka pride. Pressed from all sides now, the Southern pride took a gamble that would lead to their ultimate demise: they left their established territory and pushed north. This mistake walked them right into a hostile pride that quickly descended on them. The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands.

Meanwhile in the Kruger National Park, one of the young Charleston males became a victim of a snare. Yet again we stepped in, but it was too late. This was tragic news, as the brother of this male was now alone with no companion to stand with. Thankfully, the Hilda’s Rock male returned and took him under his wing – also with the help of another older male known as Solo. Off the three ventured together to find a new home deeper in the Kruger.

With all the previous prides in the area gone, the Avoca males began to establish themselves as the dominant presence in Lion Sands. The Avocas would roar in confidence – until one day, they got a thundering roar back, coming from along the Sabie River. The Avocas had caught the ears of the old kings of Lion Sands. The Charleston males charged back into Lion Sands, sending the Avocas running east. This moment of excitement for the return of the old kings was short lived with the Charleston males leaving as quickly as they had arrived. It would be a long while before we saw them in Lion Sands again. Afterwards it took some time, but the Avocas re-established themselves as the dominate presence on Lion Sands. There was just one problem: a distinct lack of females in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. We had two kings with no queens.
This caused them to wander further east and eventually they came across the Eyrefield pride on a neighbouring property, Toulon. It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves. They became dominant over the Eyrefield pride, with who they have one surviving cub. They are now also dominant over the Sand River pride and have six cubs between the three females. We seldom see them anymore on our property, which left a vacant throne.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Lone Sparta Female & cub) 

Three young, strong lions known as the Tsalala males briefly came into the area and set about establishing themselves, but this was short lived. Two of the males tragically died by a faulty power line in the Kruger National Park. A giraffe had walked into the power line and was electrocuted. Unaware of the danger, the two males had approached and attempted to feed, but they too were electrocuted as the giraffe was still touching the line.

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Tsalala Males) 

But the throne never sits empty for long… Soon, there were new players in the game: the N’waswishaka males (now independent from the N’waswishaka pride). These four males gained a reputation for being frustrating to track and find. They tended to retreat into a very dense sickle bush thicket, which made off-roading and locating them nearly impossible. This behaviour inspired a new name for their coalition: the ‘Ndhzenga’ males (meaning sickle-bush) after their fondness for that area. Getting these males to relax around us required a lot of perseverance by both the guides and trackers, but eventually they became more comfortable with our vehicles. The Ndzhenga males are now the dominant presence in Lion Sands, but there have been some interesting developments since my return following lockdown…

*This image is copyright of its original author

 (Ndhzenga/ N'waswitshala Males) 

There is a new group of queens, the Styx pride (four lionesses and two subadult males) on the scene and for the time being, it looks like the Ndzhenga males are interested in taking this pride over (they have been seen mating). One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead) and if the Ndzhenga’s do stick with the Styx, who knows what the future holds for the remaining subadult males within this pride.


The ‘game of thrones’ and battle for the Lion Sands, Sabi Sand kingdom continues…

The outcome of the battle left us shocked, for what was once a 12 to 15-strong pride, was brutally reduced to just four and then three survivors: an older female (who succumbed to her wounds a few weeks later), one subadult female, one subadult male, and one young female. So ended the reign of the Southern pride on Lion Sands.

This is not as shocking as it might seem.... The pride consisted mostly of cubs and subs by then....and the only survivors were the oldest offspring.  I think what is most shocking is that this pride lost 6 females in a short amount of time.  The oldest finally died of her wounds after the attack when they moved north.  The Charlestons sealed the fate of most of their numerous cubs when they decided to not return to the Southern Pride.  This would obviously leave the poor young ones too vulnerable in a territory often up for grabs.


Meanwhile in the Kruger National Park, one of the young Charleston males became a victim of a snare. Yet again we stepped in, but it was too late. 

Yet again, rangers were too late.... Familiar story?  This should put to rest people thinking that those lions are living natural, free lives, and that we should not interfere at all.  Heck, even interfering doesn't always help.


This was tragic news, as the brother of this male was now alone with no companion to stand with. Thankfully, the Hilda’s Rock male returned and took him under his wing – also with the help of another older male known as Solo. Off the three ventured together to find a new home deeper in the Kruger.

So, only the Hilda's Rock Male returned from the KNP, while Solo and the other young Charleston Male did not??  The latter two just disappeared?  Seems they somehow got separated....


Afterwards it took some time, but the Avocas re-established themselves as the dominate presence on Lion Sands. There was just one problem: a distinct lack of females in the southern part of the Sabi Sand. We had two kings with no queens.

This caused them to wander further east and eventually they came across the Eyrefield pride on a neighbouring property, Toulon. It was here along the Sand River that the Charleston males established themselves.

I think the author meant 'Avoca males', but he mistakenly put down 'Charleston males.'  We all know that the Southern Avoca have a sub-adult with the Sparta Lioness and 6 cubs with the Sand River Pride.


One of the Styx males has been chased off (and presumed dead) and if the Ndzhenga’s do stick with the Styx, who knows what the future holds for the remaining subadult males within this pride.

It appears the author prematurely wrote off the survival of the Styx young male!  Now he's a nomad with the Nkuhuma young male. Reply

[Potato]

http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40593-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-7
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40599-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-9
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40602-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-10
https://www.umlani.com/blog/post/umlani-captured-in-photos-july-2018/

Mid 2018

Mbiri males take over of Myambula pride and fighting off unknown competition for it part 1

June 29

Elsewhere, the Mbiri males were quite absent for most of the week as they continue to explore areas beyond the lionesses territory. After killing a hyena in the west, they ventured to the far east where we found them on an active patrol early one misty morning; the next day their tracks made it to our south-eastern border in the heart of the Mayambula pride territory which is not good news for their new cubs.

July 13

Sticking with lions, the Mbiri males were almost a non-entity during the last reporting period and only showed themselves once when they returned to the den site all battered and bruised. We can only presume these two males have been out searching for more mating opportunities and were obviously met with some resistance. The younger male appears lucky to have not lost an eye as his face was severely mauled, and the older male had damage to his lower lip. The fact that after only one visit back to the den site they then disappeared to an area of the Timbavati more than twelve kilometers away suggests to me that whoever they fought, they may have been victorious and appear to have some female interests elsewhere.

The last few days have seen tracks of two male lions in our south-eastern corner, but they keep heading back east towards the Kruger National Park, and as a result, we are still awaiting the return of the Mbiri males.

July 18

 Although the Mbiri males have spent most of the last year courting and mating with the two Zebenine females, from a purely human-centred point of view, now that the cubs have been born, they seem to be neglecting their fatherly duties!

With both Zebenine females off the market from a breeding perspective, it appears as though the Mbiri males have been off looking for more mating opportunities elsewhere. These males have been almost completely absent from the area for the past three weeks, and it appears as though their search for more females to court has brought them into conflict with other male lions. Upon the first of only two visits in recent weeks, it was discovered that both males had been in the wars, with there being fears that the younger male had lost his left eye. Fortunately, subsequent sightings of the boys (more than 12km south of the den site!) showed that his eye was still intact. The bigger male was also battered and bruised, but this fight didn’t do anything to keep them in the core of their territory, and after that brief visit they disappeared again.

The nights that a month ago were filled with the roars of lions are now largely silent... until two nights ago that is, when the whole camp was awoken at 03h06 with the mighty roar of one of the Mbiri males in the riverbed to the north of camp. Sadly though, silence returned the following evening as the male moved out of the area without being seen. Exactly where they have been disappearing to is uncertain, but it appears as though the Mayambula pride to the south-east of Safari Camp might be the target of these males as their tracks have been found in this pride's territory. Unfortunately their presence in this area does not bode well for the two four-month cubs recently born to this pride. However, from the Mbiri males’ perspective, the Mayambula pride with five adult females in their midst, would be a perfect pride to take over. Needless to say, since the Mbiri males have been spending time in the south-east of our concession, signs of the Mayambula Pride have been far less in evidence.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

July by Umlani

Although the Mbiris males have been stamping their authority on the local hyena population, they have been more absent than present this last month, on one of the occasions that they did show themselves they looked like they had been in a pretty serious fight leaving the smaller of the two males with horrendous wounds on his face and even looked like he had lost an eye, they then headed back south from where they had come from and again were absent for a few weeks, however two nights ago they returned, in full voice announcing their presence as kings of the central Timbavati, their wounds healing up and now only adding character to their already imposing look. The smaller male still has both his eyes and these powerhouses seem to still firmly be in control of the area.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply

[Potato]

https://www.umlani.com/blog/post/lion-update-mbiri-males-and-myambula-pride/

Mid 2018

Mbiri males take over of Myambula pride and fighting off unknown competition for it part 2

As mentioned in our last monthly highlights blog, the Mbiri males have been spending a lot of time to the south of our traversing of late, on a few occasions they have been seen with the Myambula pride, a pride that reside and hold territory to the south of our boundaries and only every now and then making incursions to the north.


It has been quite a change not hearing the familiar roars of the mighty Mbiris just north of our camp every night as they remained in the vicinity of the Zebinine pride and their cubs, it seemed the males weren't straying too far from their youngsters and new females which was good as their constant presence keep threats like hyenas or even other lions away from the den site. But male lions are males after all and with both lionesses from the Zebinine pride occupied with their cubs the males were left to seek out other females, females they can mate with and in turn increase their stronghold over the central Timbavati by spreading their genes.

It appears that the Mbiri males have found what they were looking for, in the form of the Myambula pride, a pride consisting of 5 adult lionesses, and apparently no dominant male lions ruling the pride although that hasn't been confirmed as we do not see the pride enough, this makes for a relatively easy pride take over. One of the lionesses has been seen with small cubs which either signals that the Mbiri males have already laid claim to this pride some time ago or they have dispatched the previous dominant male/s of the Myambula pride. There was a young male that was with the Myambulas however he no longer is seen, what happened can only be guessed, did he get chased off by the Mbiris? Was he caught and killed by the Mbiris? We don't know and can only speculate as to what happened to him. But which ever scenario it was the Mbiris have taken over the pride and are now cementing themselves as the dominant males of the Myambulas.

A couple of nights ago, we found both Mbiri males with 3 of the Myambula lionesses, the larger Mbiri was resting with 2 lionesses while the smaller male was coupled up with the third lioness. Interestingly it is the smaller male who seems to be the more dominant of the 2 males, often muscling out the larger male even when testing the scent of a female to find out her reproductive status. This is unusual as the larger males with their full dark manes carry more testosterone which not only makes them bigger but also more aggressive and defaults them into the dominant position of a coalition, but this is not the case with the Mbiri males, the heavily scarred face of the smaller male in comparison to the relatively untouched larger male tells a different story, and the big male is left to watch his brother mate from a distance and any attempt to approach the lioness in season is met with thunderous growls from the other male.

Here are a few photos from that sighting:

*This image is copyright of its original author

It is unbelievable how animals have the ability to heal while living out in the harsh environments of the bush, a few weeks back this male looked as if he had potentially lost an eye, now that wound is just another scar to add to his tally.

*This image is copyright of its original author

One of the Myambula lionesses rests next to the smaller Mbiri male in between mating sessions, the male however, was ever watchful and tried to mate at every movement the lioness made even if it was just to re-position her head.

*This image is copyright of its original author

This has to be one of the meanest looking lions I have ever seen, his scarred face and amber gaze add to the intensity when he looks at you.

*This image is copyright of its original author

A striking feature of the Myambula lionesses is how beautiful they are, they are big healthy looking lionesses and perhaps now that they have the protection of the Mbiri males we will begin to see more of this pride.

*This image is copyright of its original author

At one point the males frustrations and impatience proved to much for him and he tried mating with the lioness while she was asleep, this was met with an angry response from the lioness which sent one of the other lionesses running off into the shadows, the male then quickly made his way over to were the lioness had run from and started sniffing the area to see if she was perhaps ready to mate.

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Mbiri male showing the Flehmen response as he tests the scent of the lioness to gauge whether she is ready to mate or not.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Once things had calmed down a bit, we decided to leave the lions to their somewhat turbulent love lives and head back to camp. Hopefully this is the start of more sightings of this pride as the Mbiris continue to bring some sort of stability to the area, something that has been lacking for some time now. Reply

[Potato]

https://www.malamala.com/blog/the-charleston-male-lions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nrg6jmYjc8&ab_channel=HelvioRodriguez

The Charleston male lions

Text: Dan Bailey | Photographs: Dan Bailey, Greg Baldwin and Pieter van Wyk



In April 2011, two male lions were born in the southern parts of MalaMala Game Reserve, in an area known as Charleston. These two young male lions were then aptly named according to the territory that their maternal pride held before them, which is why today they are referred to as the two male lions from the Charleston coalition.


Their early life was not easy, and from the start it seemed as if the chips were stacked against them. The Charleston pride got into conflict with the Selati Pride in January 2012 and killed all the members of the Charleston pride except for one lioness and the two young Charleston male lions. The two now orphaned youngsters were only around 9 months of age yet this was not the end. The only remaining lioness from the Charleston pride, in essence their aunt, undertook the monumental task of raising them as if they were her own.

Young Charleston males in 2013 by Pieter van Wyk

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Charleston lioness miraculously managed to successfully raise these two male lions to independence which is quite a remarkable feat. The task of survival is daunting enough for young lions in a big pride with threats coming from new male coalitions seeking to take over the territory and with both the intraspecific and interspecific competition within the area.

The two Charleston male lions, now just under 5 years of age, are becoming a force to be reckoned with. They are starting to establish their own territory in the southwestern parts of the Sabi Sands Wildtuin (SSW) spending far less time on MalaMala. They however do return from time to time to check up on the Charleston lioness and her new litter of two 9-month-old male cubs.


The Charleston male lion coalition are young, strong, determined and highly charismatic lions that are now coming into their own. Together they started to push south and west a few months ago in order to acquire more territory and seek out a resident pride of females to take as their own and sire their own offspring. Their search pushed them further away from their known territorial range and into that of another coalition of two male lions known as the Jackledraai males on MalaMala or, to the rest of the SSW, as the Fourways male lion coalition.

As rule of thumb only the strongest, smartest and most determined male lions will survive and get the opportunity to successfully stake their claim on a territorial range, and with it take over a pride of females as their own and sire cubs. The pride of females in this case is known as the Southern pride, which consists of five lionesses in the southwestern parts of the SSW.


The lion dynamics being in a constant flux within the area with a huge amount of competition saw the Charleston male lions push further and further south and west and conflict ensued between the Charleston males and the Fourways males. There were reports that the two Fairways males had not been viewed for a lengthy period by some of our neighbours and when they were finally found again both the Fourways males appeared to have bad scars on their back legs and the one even nursing a bad bite mark in his spine. It is presumed that they had a run in with the two male lions from the Charleston coalition and were lucky to escape.

Charleston male by Greg Baldwin

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Charleston males returned back east onto MalaMala Game Reserve and it was not long until they encountered more competition. This time they came into contact with another coalition of two different male lions which rarely frequent the area, known to others as the Kruger male and Solo. It is presumed that in their bid to claim dominance over the area and to protect the Charleston lioness and the two new young males within the Charleston pride they tracked down the Kruger male and Solo. The events were never witnessed by rangers but the body of the Kruger male was found on the eastern bank of the Sand River in the southern parts of the property. The Kruger male came off second best against the Charleston male lions and with the loss of the Kruger male it sent Solo running back into the Kruger National Park.

There was, in relative terms, peace for a while within the south western section of the SSW but by mid September this all changed once again. There were reports of conflict between the Charleston male lions and the Fourways males but this time around a giraffe carcass along the bank of the Sabi River. As the events were not witnessed the best explanation as to the scenario is as follows. The entire area over the past few months had experienced low rainfall and water became a limited resource. Vital for life and the only water remaining was to be found either in the dry riverbeds of the Sand and the Sabi Rivers. The predators aware of this often took to resting along the river banks, conserving their energy and waiting for the opportune moment to hunt when the prey species eventually came down to the river to drink. In this case a giraffe so happened to wander down to the river seeking to quench its thirst. The scene was set. The giraffe entered to river unaware of the lions and the two Charleston male lions saw an opportunity to take down a substantial meal. Lion hunting giraffe is not a normal occurrence but the two Charleston male lions being large, bold, and strong took the opportunity. Giraffe are very cautious when they come to drink and can spook very easily. The lions would of allowed for this to take place and with the panic the giraffe would of tried to escape the river bed but lost its footing whilst trying to exit the steep embankments of the Sabi River causing it to topple over and allowing the two Charleston males to pin down the neck and begin suffocating it.

This would of been no easy feat and also incredibly dangerous. Giraffes natural defense mechanism against predators is to kick violently at its attacker. If on the ground and neck about to be pinned down the legs would of been kicking frantically until it breathed it very last breath. This is when I personally believe the dark maned male lion from the Charleston coalition was kicked by the giraffe but luckily the hoof just clipped the corner of his jaw. The force behind a giraffes kick is immense and could easily account for the injury sustained to the jaw. Simply shattering the corner of the bottom right jawbone of the dark maned Charleston lion and leaving the bottom right canine hanging down.


This event with the giraffe kill was never witnessed so simply remains my theory. After these possible events, the reports state that the two Fourway’s males were seen moving in the direction of the giraffe carcass. It is believed that the two male lions from the Fourway’s coalition encountered the Charleston coalition on their kill and a fight broke out over the carcass. The fight would have been serious and injuries were sustained on both fronts. It could be said by some that the dark maned Charleston male lion received the damaged jaw and from the fight with the two Fourways male lions. Yet, I state otherwise as it is an injury that is very uncommon and if it was from a bite, or even a blow to the jaw from the paw of one of the Fourways males there would not have been enough force to cause such unique localised damage. This scenario would also have caused far more cuts, open wounds and the presence of scar tissue around the jawline and nose would’ve been evident today.

The Charleston pride by Pieter van Wyk

*This image is copyright of its original author

Taking into account the fierce competition between lions, especially between male lions in the wild together with the information provided as to how the dark maned Charleston male lion possibly received the injury to his bottom jaw; I’d like to voice my opinion on comments that are often made when lions get injured. Please remember this is Africa, and these are wild animals that are fighting for life and death on a daily basis without any interference from man. One of our followers made the following comment: "Why don’t you let the vets decide to dart him, so that they can gently and carefully put the tooth back in place”. “Sure, he will appreciate that, and then be a lot more comfortable and be more aesthetically pleasing?” - Fair commentary and we appreciate the concern for his wellbeing. Yet, the comment at the end infuriated me due to the fact that that these animals are wild and free, in part thanks to tourism, but as wildlife conservationists, veterinarians and rangers we will never intervene in order to fix a "so-called" problem just so that an animal is more aesthetically pleasing to ones eye, and make for a so-called ‘picture perfect’ photograph. As a matter of fact at the time of the incident a highly qualified veterinarian did come and pay a visit to the area and observed the dark maned Charleston male lions injury. After careful observation the vet decided that there was no immediate threat to the lion and that rangers in the area should monitor him for signs of infection. The incredible thing is that these animals are so resilient and since September when the incident took place there have been no signs of infection. He has fully recovered from this naturally occurring injury and as to date carries on as per usual. The only difference now is that the bottom right canine hangs precariously and might possibly fall off in the near future. The last time I viewed him it was hanging on thinner and thinner threads. Even if it doesn’t fall, it will not hinder him in any way. Indeed it must’ve been extremely painful at the time but it has just made him that much stronger and tolerant to a higher pain threshold.

The up-close portrait photograph I took of the dark maned Charleston male lion with the hanging bottom right canine was a few months ago whilst he was still recovering from the injury. I took the photograph shortly after he quenched his thirst from a pool of water not far from the bank of the Sand River on Charleston in MalaMala. Both the Charleston male lions were present at the time and were both nursing full stomachs as together they successfully managed to kill an adult buffalo bull. This in itself also shows the sheer character and strength of these two Charleston male lions; as it is not an easy feat to bring down a large bull. They have an incredible bond and together as a team and are a formidable force.



As it stands today rangers on MalaMala Game Reserve view the two male lions from the Charleston coalition less and less. We understand that they have reached the point in their lives that they need to spread further and further away from the maternal Charleston pride's territory in order to establish themselves and hopefully sire offspring in the near future. It appears that they are in the process of ousting the two male lions from the Fourways coalition. They continue to assert their dominance over the area and seem to spend more and more of their time with the five lionesses of the Southern pride. Yet, reports state that prior to the ‘take-over’ by the Charleston male lions the Fourways males had successfully been mating with the lionesses of the Southern pride. Now as it stands the one lioness from the Southern pride has two young cubs that most likely are the offspring of the Fourways males. Only time will tell. There is always the possibility that the Charleston male lions also successfully mated with the lioness without anyone knowing. However, as it goes with any new take-over by a new dominant coalition of male lions of a pride of females, if any cubs of the predecessors are present the new males will probably kill them. It is a sad and harsh reality. Yet, this is natures way and it ensures that the lionesses shortly come back into oestrus again and then the worthy, stronger genes of the new dominant male lions carries on within the pride. This could take place with the two Charleston male lions in the near future.


To conclude I would like to make reference again to the photograph of the Charleston lion with the hanging bottom right canine. I believe the idiom, “A picture is worth a thousand words” is very apt in encapsulating the entire life story and character of this individual male lion as well as his brother. I chose to take a closeup shot of his face surrounded by his large mane, his confident stare and his drooling mangled bottom right canine. This single still image conveys the intricacies and complexities of life as a male lion in Africa. The photograph shows his unique character, but also tells a story as to the lives and hardships faced by all male lions in their attempt to become King.

Charleston male by Dan Bailey

*This image is copyright of its original author

I leave this photograph untitled but would like to add the following poem, in a short few lines. It reads as follows;

Once more into the fray,

Into the last good fight I’ll ever know

Live and die on this day.

Live and die on this day.





Reply

[Potato]

https://www.facebook.com/kingscampprivategamereserve/posts/3028678273895147
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYH-FChiFqg&ab_channel=Destroyah8
https://www.tandatula.com/blog/posts/mid-winter-in-pictures/?fbclid=IwAR2dPrzi8ILEWQqMDDyixJmOboxFtZJCc0APdwnIrOcHNdhC__ixUzqsUjs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOwpYKonfBk&ab_channel=Destroyah8

June 2020

2 Mbiri males vs 2 of the 3 Nharhu males

Yesterday morning we had some action!

The Mbiri males were in the Nharau males territory (the Nharau males are the fathers of the 6 cubs on Kings Camp with a 3rd male)

This isnt great footage but make sure you have the sound on to hear Grant and Hayley commentating.

Cathan found them early in the morning, reaching them just after a fight and the Nharau males chased the Mbiri's all the way to the South and out of their territory.

We followed for about 7km and then lost them.

The larger male from the Mbiri was injured (back leg) but not too badly, he was however a little slow at times and the other male would wait for him if the Nharau got too close. Very interesting to see this interaction.

The Nharhu males are looking in good shape (well, except for the limping one whose limp is as bad as it has been since they set up base around Tanda Tula), and they are turning into proper lions now!  Since chasing the larger Mbiri males back out of their territory almost three weeks ago, it is as if their confidence has increased and their roars have gotten louder –  a great sign for a stable lion future in this area. Reply

[kobe8jf1234]

(05-12-2020, 11:13 PM)Tr1x24 Wrote: The Mpondo male lions - One coalition, three bloodlines 

It says that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. She can be hidden or obvious. She can be inconspicuous or overwhelming, crystal clear or impalpable. She can be shy and only emerge after a certain amount of time or leap out right at you. She’s a perception that assumes all kinds of shapes and remains unique to each and everyone. 
For wildlife lovers the Kruger famous Mpondo male lions surely unite many of her characteristics. She’s overwhelming and crystal clear with their huge dark manes and healthy strong bodies, yet there’s another beauty, impalpable and secretly hidden behind a pretty much unknown background. So in order to reveal her there is one question to be asked that this report will focus on: Who are the five Mpondo male lions that developed into one of the Kruger’s most successful lion coalitions? 

While usually male lion coalitions are made up of related males such as brothers and cousins who form close bonds to start their journey into independence together, the Mpondo male lions didn’t really stick to that general rule. Instead their coalition basically breaks the habit and has its origins at the Jock Concession, the Lukimbi Lodge and the Crocodile Bridge: 5 males from 3 different prides from 3 different areas. 
While the sick blonde maned male and his black maned amber eyed brother came from the Lukimbi pride and with the other set of brothers - consisting of the short-tailed Mpondo „boss“ and his brother - originating from the Jock pride, it was the single 5th male who finally brought them all together at Mjejane Game Reserve in 2013/14. Having left his natal pride, the Vurhami pride behind, and being the oldest of the 5 males he lived up to his responsibilities and became their initial leader. It was under his watch that the males settled their issues (not without a few fights) and finally brought a difficult bonding time to a satisfying end. 
Guide Dave Pusey who was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with them in their younger days on Mjejane about the exciting observations: „The Vurhami male reminded me of my time in Sabi Sands when Makhulu Mapogo initially led the Mapogos and kept the bond of the younger Mapogos strong.“ 
The coalition of 5 Mjejane males was born. This name soon changed again when they left Mjejane behind and departed towards the Mpondo Dam on the S102 in 2015/16 where they finally established their first territory and took over the Mpondo pride. The fame grew day by day and as a result it didn’t take long till the whole Kruger National Park would finally get to know them as the 5 Mpondo male lions. 
One year later in 2017 they began to expand their territory further north along the S21, Renosterkoppies till up to the S114 which resulted in the successful takeover of the big Renosterkoppies pride. This union led to a further thriving of the pride, along with more litters of cubs there are currently four young males (one older and three slightly younger brothers) in the process of completely breaking up with the pride. 
Just like it already had been witnessed with the Mantimahle male lions, one male - in this case the oldest Mpondo male #5 - permanently stayed with the Renosterkoppies pride while the other four regularly moved between their two prides and the boundaries of their territory. After roughly two years of stable circumstances 2019 brought along another change as the five males decided to push further north-west. At the cost of loosing the eastern part of their territory around the Mpondo Dam to the four S26 males, they ousted the Thompson males from the Jock concession and took over the whole region till down to Afsaal. With such a huge territory to cover its very likely that there are more prides under their leadership that are yet to identify. 

What had started as a partnership of convenience between a bunch of unrelated males at a time of pure need, eventually developed into a strong brotherhood that conquered the Kruger almost at will. With the 5th male approaching the autumn of his life with now approximately over 10 years of age, and the blonde male #4 still struggling with some obvious disease, it’s not only thanks to the other three males - visibly in their prime years - that the group hasn’t lost a single member till today, but instead the close affection and size in total of the coalition that provided and still provides decent protection for each of the five members. 

Five foreign males that originated from completely different areas of the Kruger National Park who came together and ended up forming a close bond; It’s tales like this that turn the hidden beauty of nature into something obvious: the pure unpredictability of wildlife and it‘s ability to find ways to survive. 

We would like to thank Big On Wild - Wildlife Blog & Photography for a wonderful collaboration in exploring the background of the Mpondo male lions in detail and we highly recommend to check out their blog where they examine the histories of certain male lion coalitions of the Kruger National Park.  

Kruger National Park
Photo credits (in order of appearance): Picture #1: Dave Pusey, picture #2 - #4: Sean de la Harpe-Parker

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Credits : "Lions of Africa" Facebook page.

so i guess we dont know the fathers these 3 different groups of males that formed this strong mpondo coalition ? Reply