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Lions of Sabi Sands
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The 3 older Mlowathi Males
Mlowathi Males `00:  *This image is copyright of its original author 2 of the Mlowathi Males `00 (by MalaMala) [b]February, March and April 2000:[/b] 2 Adult My, March and Aales: These two males have been seen roaming the northern areas of Mala Mala. Their behaviour has been one of dominance and it is clear that the West Street Males have given up on reclaiming this part of what was once their domain. One of these lions has a mane both darker and more luxuriant than the other and certainly appears older. The other male is the same one which several months ago chased off the Marthly Pride male lion when the two were competing for the mating of the oldest Styx Pride Female. Now that this blonde-maned lion has teamed up with the other and the Marthly Pride Male has wandered off, he is no longer as dominant. During April the two were seen with a lioness, probably one of the younger Styx Pride lionesses, and all mating was done by the bigger black-maned lion. Once the mating had finished, the two once again joined forces and all aggressive behaviour was forgotten. If they are able to work together they could well settle down to complete a firm grip on the area. It will be interesting to see if the 7-year-old Marthly Pride Male also decides to join this pair. At present this male lion has been seen with another young male of approximately three or four years of age which, although large in size, has almost no mane and may be his half-brother from the Marthly Pride. This quite unequal pair has been seen frequently on the central-northern parts of Mala Mala, areas adjacent to those roamed by the afore-mentioned pair.  *This image is copyright of its original author The older blond-maned Mlowathi male by Nancy Vandermey May 2001 May 2000: Two adult males - these are young adults which appear to have taken over the northern parts of the reserve. One has a dark mane and appears somewhat older and bigger than the other, which has a less impressive looking mane, which is also lighter in colour. On one occasion whilst being followed, these males flushed an adult steenbok and one of them actually managed to catch the usually fleet-footed antelope. Lions don't share food at the best of times, but with such a small meal it was quite out of the question and the other lion simply had to wait whilst his partner gulped down the food. On another occasion, both male lions were seen showing great interest in the large herd of buffalo. At the same time, two other younger male lions some ways to their north chased a group of giraffe and zebra in their direction. Unfortunately for the lions they seemed stuck for choice and failed to catch anything in the confusion of running prey animals.  *This image is copyright of its original author The older blond-maned Mlowathi male by Nancy Vandermey May 2001 June 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned. These two lions have paired up and now dominate the north and western parts of the reserve, areas once briefly controlled by the West Street Males. This pair was seen only three times during June, but are certainly firmly in control of the afore-mentioned area. Towards the end of the month a pride lions, perhaps the lions which have in the past been confused with the Marthly Pride, managed to kill a female buffalo. These lions were then driven off the kill by five young male lions, among these being the adult male which once did belong to the Marthly Pride. No sooner had this nomadic group started to feed when the blond and black-maned pair arrived to chase them off. All ran away except for the 'Marthly' male which some months ago had been going around with the blonde-maned member of the pair. July 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned. These two males are clearly the dominant coalition of the northern and north western parts of the reserve. It is not certain if they control any of the eastern sections. At present the only pride definitely known to fall under their direct influence is the Styx Pride. This month they were seen several times with three of the Styx Pride lionesses, perhaps because the oldest one is showing obvious signs of pregnancy, a litter which might well be the first fathered by these males. They were also spent much time with another male lion, obviously younger and perhaps one of the Styx Pride Males. Just why they would tolerate his presence is not clear and this toleration borders close to what may be interpreted as affection. Time will tell if this lion stays with the other two to make it a more powerful coalition of three. If lion some text-book behaviour is anything to go by, it could be expected that once the Styx Pride lionesses have cubs to look after, these lions might well cast their eyes farther afield, perhaps towards the Eyrefield Pride which have the ageing West Street Males as their minders. So far the West Street Males have given ground to this younger pair, allowing them to rule their current area, a region once patrolled by the coalition of five but never quite dominated. August 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned. These two males are now the undisputed controllers of the northern parts of the reserve and this month became the proud guardians of perhaps their first cubs, these born to the oldest lioness of the Styx Pride. When the cubs were known to be but a few days old and secreted away up in one of the 'Campbell Koppies', the males were around the base, curiously peering up into the rocks, but not heading towards where the youngsters were being hidden. Although the lionesses tolerated them being in the general area, it was perhaps the odd warning snarl from the lactating female which kept them at bay. For a few days these males stayed with the females, endured perhaps because their long-term presence is essential to keep other males away from killing the cubs. Later in the month these two males were seen crossing the Sand River for the first time and heading west onto the Mala Mala airstrip, an area which for the last few years has been pure West Street Male territory. Shortly before they crossed and whilst crossing, the males were roaring. Both acts, the river crossing and the vocalising, showed their tremendous confidence and were rather blatant challenges to the West Street Males which, although they clearly outnumber the two, are now ageing and would certainly not be as confidant. As has happened over this last year, the West Street Males have already given up on the northern reaches of Mala Mala, allowing this pair to prevail. What will happen from here waits to be seen, but such territorial challenges could simply fizzle out or take many weeks to reach their climax. Towards the end of this game-report period these males were seen mating with one of the younger lionesses of the Styx Pride. Of the two, the dark-maned male is the more dominant. September 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned - Mlowathi Males: The name given to these two male lions results from the Mlowathi River which runs through part of their territory. This month these two, which have been tolerating the presence of another but younger male, probably one of the youngsters of the Styx Pride, for some months now, continued to consolidate their territory by patrolling the area and mating with the lionesses of the Styx Pride. One challenge to the latter came from one of the old West Street Males but the Mlowathi Males beat him up. The death of the litter of cubs born to the oldest lioness of the Styx Pride at the end of July (and perhaps also the first cubs fathered by the Mlowathi Males) may not have been such a bad thing. Over the last month probably all of the lionesses of the Styx Pride have mated with the Mlowathi Males, and, assuming conception, cubs should be born within a few weeks of each other. This should not only allow the lionesses to care for the youngsters with greater effect, but should also allow the Mlowathi Males to expand their territory faster, perhaps taking in the Eyrefield Pride from the West Street Males. The fact that several of the lionesses of the Styx Pride came into oestrus at the same time also allowed the blonde-maned member of the Mlowathi Males to have a mating opportunity. The current hierarchy suggests that the dark-maned member of the coalition is more dominant and has priority over matings. Unlike the West Street Males which appear to spend much time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, the Mlowathi Males seem only to arrive when mating is required, or some big kill has been made, but generally leave the lionesses alone. This may change of course when they get older. What also remains to be seen in the coming months is whether or not the two Mlowathi Males allow the younger male to stay with them and become a permanent partner within their coalition. There was a single lioness seen moving north up the centre of the reserve. It may well have been one of the Styx Pride looking for the others which were mating with the Mlowathi Males. October 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned - Mlowathi Males: The Mlowathi Males, the coalition which dominates the northern reaches of Mala Mala, were encountered on several occasions this month, together with the lionesses of the Styx Pride as well as on their own. On most occasions these two adult males were accompanied by an approximately 5-year-old male lion, thought to be one of the cubs of the Styx Pride. Indications are that this young male will become a third member of the coalition. November 2000: Two adult males - one with a dark mane, the other light maned - Mlowathi Males: These two males - perhaps the coalition will soon include a third, this thought to be one of the approximatley 5-year-old males of the Styx Pride - seem to grow in strength by the day. There were several sighting of them, either alone, with the Styx Pride and, on one occasion, at a rhino carcass with the lioness of the Emsagwen Pride. At least one of the young lionesses of the Styx Pride came into oestrus this month and over the course of a week both the dark and blonde maned lions of the coalition mated with her. In the past the dominance of the black-maned lion has been more apparent. December 2000: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: The majority of sightings of the Mlowathi Males were of them together with the Styx Pride. The only time this month when they were seen on their own was when they probably responded to the West Street Males entering the southern portions of their range to follow the large herd of buffalo. By the time the Mlowathi Males were in the area, the West Street Males had long gone and so little could be done except mark territory by urinating and face-rubbing in the immediate area. When they were first found, they were all lying in close proximity to where a male leopard had taken a baby impala kill high up into the upper branches of a Jakkalberry tree. Footprints, dragmarks and deep gouges caused by sharp claws indicated that the lions had tried to rob the leopard of his kill, but had only just failed to do so. January 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: There were frequent sightings of the Mlowathi Males this month, several of these of them accompanying various lionesses of the Styx Pride. The oldest lioness of this pride appears to have lost yet another litter of cubs, her second in 6 months, but was again mating with the blonde-maned male of the trio. The lionesses showed almost zero enthusiasm for the mating, scarcely moving when the male mated with her. A few days later the dark-maned lion of this coalition was courting one of the younger Styx Pride females and although some matings took place, the lioness appeared more eager to escape from him than to mate. Most sightings of the Mlowathi Males were of them away from the lionesses. At one stage part of the large herd of buffalo encountered these three and chased them off. However, tracks indicated that the lions followed the buffalo and when next seen, they were fat, presumably from having killed one of these large bovids. February 2001: There were some fine encounters with of the Mlowathi Males this month, both with them in association with the lionesses of the Styx Pride and on their own. Towards the beginning of the month there were several sightings of them mating with the at least two of the lionesses of the Styx Pride. Following on from one of the matings between the dark-maned lion and one of the younger Styx lionesses (this involving several days of aggression between the two when it appeared as if the lioness was most reluctant to mate) the trio of males separated for several days and subsequently the various individuals spent some time looking for each other. Later on in the month there were a few days of mating with perhaps the same young lioness. For two days the dark-maned male dominated the mating, sending clear signs to the other males of the coalition and lionesses of the pride which were in close proximity, that he was to be left alone. On the third day, however, when the youngest male approached the mating pair and was sent packing by the dark-maned male, the third lion, the blonde-maned male, slipped around the squabbling pair and positioned himself with the lioness. When the dark-maned male saw what had happened, he came snarling back, but the blonde-maned male held his ground and the lioness had a new partner. So although the dark-maned male is probably the most dominant, his position is not unassailable. Whilst all of this was happening, all lions - Styx Pride and Mlowathi Males set about with a tremendous roaring display, perhaps in response to some other distant lions. Once the mating was over, the males were then seen together on a more frequent basis, on one such occasion again putting on an earth-trembling performance of roaring. The finest hour for the Mlowathi Males, however, was reserved for later in the month when they were found lean and hungry and on the hunt. This time there was no roaring and all males were moving with steady intent. The target of this exercise was the large herd of buffalo, in this instance a group numbering in excess of perhaps five hundred animals. The lions seemed well aware of the buffaloes' position from several kilometres away and proceeded unerringly towards them. As they came closer and closer to the buffalo, the lions became more cautious and moved towards their prey with some well-deserved respect. However, luck was with the lions and before they could approach the bunched up buffalo which at that stage were totally unaware of the presence of the lions, a lone cow and calf, the latter only a few hours old, came stumbling towards them. By all accounts the female buffalo had stopped to give birth and none of the others had bothered to wait behind. This was a fatal piece of bad fortune for the buffalo. The lions hardly hesitated and hurled themselves upon the cow. In spite of a brave fight, the three lions knew what they were doing and within 10 minutes the two buffalo were dead. Surprisingly and luckily for the lions, the rest of the buffalo herd did not respond to the distress calls. Anyway, the lions had four days of eating ahead of them March 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: There were many sightings of the Mlowathi Males this month, several of these together with the lionesses of the Styx Pride. Several matings were also witnessed over this game report period between one of the lionesses of the Styx Pride and both the dark and light-maned members of the Mlowathi Males. As has been indicated by their behaviour in the recent past, it does not appear as if either of these two males is clearly dominant over the other and an uneasy truce reigns. Unlike past behaviour, the Mlowathi Males did not appear as cohesive in behaviour as has been witnessed in the past, with most sightings of members of this coalition being of an incomplete compliment. As confident as they may be in their youthful stage, too great a degree of separation could make them vulnerable to a take-over by another territory-hungry group of males. April 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: These three lions had an eventful month. Towards the middle of April, the three Mlowathi Males spent at least two days chasing the large herd of buffalo. Although they were not seen to catch one, they may well have ultimately been rewarded with a calf or young buffalo, this indicated by their fat stomachs seen in the mornings after the chases. When the large herd of buffalo appeared on the reserve, the lions were following them. That night, using the cover of darkness and the confusion of a violent thunderstorm, they chased into the buffalo, but were driven off. The buffalo bunched together and fled to the safety of an open area and the lions backed off. The next day, however, the lions were again on their heels and a similar performance was witnessed. The Mlowathi Males are noted killers of buffalo and really seem to know what they area doing, including when to give up if the opposition is too strong. Later on in the month, the Mlowathi Males were faced with a new challenge, this time in the form of three young male lions which entered the area. Two of the male lions were quite relaxed in the presence of vehicles and had the appearance of some of the young male lions which left the Styx Pride last year. The other male lion was mature and had an impressive black mane, but his disposition was quite different and he was unhappy when landrovers approached. Anyway, the lions arrived in the northern and eastern parts of the reserve, probably in search of food rather than to challenge the Mlowathi Males. On the first day of their stay, they were seen to go after some giraffe, but failed to catch one. The following day they had seized onto the large herd of buffalo and soon killed a new-born calf. This meal did not last long and the next day they were still hovering around the peripheries of the herd which by this stage was moving quite steadily away. They were not seen to catch any other buffalo. Although there was no fight witnessed between these lions and the Mlowathi Males, the latter did arrive on the scene and late-night sounds of roaring lions and the wounds of battle later seen on the males of the Mlowathi coalition indicated that the invasion had been beaten off. By all accounts the battle had not been one-sided and one of the Mlowathi Males had a noticeable limp for a few days thereafter. The oldest of the trio of males which was beaten off apparently split off from the other two and headed south. A day after he was seen wandering away, an adult male lion was seen with the some of the Windmill Pride lionesses which in turn were not looking too happy about him being around. It is quite likely that this male lion was the same one which had been sent packing by the Mlowathi Males a few days earlier and many kilometres further north. A sighting of two young male lions a day or two after this fracas was probably of the same two young males from the above-mentioned trio. They had returned to the area where they and their older companion had originally been found, perhaps in an effort to relocate him. For the Mlowathi Males, April continued along more accepted lines. There were two occasions when mating was observed between the blonde-maned male and one of the Styx Pride lionesses, the first in early April, the second two-and-a-half weeks later. Although the black-maned Mlowathi Male definitely appears larger in size and certainly appeared the more dominant a year ago, that now seems to have changed and the blonde-maned male has assumed number one position in the hierarchy. May 2001: The Mlowathi Males appeared to spend most of their time in the northern parts of the reserve, close to the Styx Pride lionesses which probably have a new litter of cubs in this area. Most gatherings of the lionesses of the Styx Pride encountered during May also included at least one of the males of this coalition. At the beginning of this game report period and the again in the middle of May, the blonde-maned male was seen mating with one of the two Styx Pride lionesses which do not have cubs. There was only one sighting of all three males together, this towards the end of May when they and the four lionesses of the Styx Pride were found eating an adult male warthog. June 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: The Styx Pride and their youngsters in the northern parts of the reserve have kept the three Mlowathi Males in that region and very little was seen of them. They did perhaps wander further south than sightings suggested, but these forays were limited in both frequency and time, before the lions went north again towards the females. Whilst this sort of policy would perhaps do little for territory expansion, it does bode well for the lionesses which require a dedicated protection team. July 2001: The Mlowathi Males hardly seem to go south of the Matshapiri River these days, probably due to the fact that the Styx Pride commands their attention and they have certainly been staying north. Towards the end of the month the male with the lighter coloured mane was mating with the older lioness of the Styx Pride, this a sure sign that she has lost yet another litter of cubs - the third in a year. If this carries on, as with the West Street Males, the Mlowathi Males will become old having produced no cubs which have a hope of reaching maturity. The Mlowathi Males and some of the Styx Pride lionesses spent several days during July feasting off the carcass of an approximately 3-year-old rhino which had died in a bizarre manner, having become trapped beneath a fallen tree, apparently whilst trying to scratch itself. Later on in the month they and one of the younger Styx Pride lionesses were found close to the upper reaches of the Matshapiri River. Tracks indicated that buffalo had recently been in the area and all lions were well fed. August 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: Little was seen of the Mlowathi Males this month and they again appeared to be spending much of their time with the lionesses of the Styx Pride which have their babies to the north of the reserve. September 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing - Mlowathi Males: The absence of the Mlowathi Males was noticeable during September. The only sighting of all three male lions together was towards the beginning of this game report period when they were with the lionesses of the Styx Pride. After the middle of the month they were simply not seen. What could have happened? At one time in early September an unknown male lion was seen towards the south-eastern parts of the Mlowathi Males' territory and the following day this coalition was in the area, no doubt responding to this invasion. But then later on when the West Street Males moved north and spent several days in the area thought to be the southerly part of the Mlowathi Males' domain, there was absolutely no response seen. Have the Mlowathi Males at least temporarily moved off to conquer other females now that the Styx Pride have cubs or has something else happened to them? If they have moved to conquer other prides, then hopefully they will not forget about the cubs with the Styx Pride. Paternal duties for male lions include maintenance and a continued presence in the area of their cubs is most necessary to prevent aggressive foreign male lions from moving in. On the other hand something more serious may have occurred; a buffalo may have fallen the wrong way or proved more aggressive than usual - who knows; the life and future of a lion can change in an instant. Death of one male could have severe psychological repercussions amongst the surviving members and this in turn on the entire lion dynamics of the area. Hopefully viewing in October will clarify matters. But certainly September's viewing painted an ominous picture as to what the future holds for the Mlowathi Males and the Styx Pride. October 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing. Only one of the Mlowathi Males was seen this month and this towards the beginning and in the north of the reserve when he was mating with one of the lionesses of the Styx Pride and then temporarily joined them at a zebra kill. What has happened with these lions? They have simply vanished and left their southern territories open for occupation by the aging West Street Males, lions which should be in the process of being kicked out, but which have suddenly been given a territory on a plate. Not that the territory has many females - the Styx Pride has certainly moved out, at least on a temporary basis. But a most unusual bit of lion social dynamics witnessed over the last six or so weeks. November 2001: Three adult males - one with a dark mane, one light maned, the third with a mane still developing: Not seen this month. Posted on MalaMala Blog 
Credits to PJD Photography - Nkorho Rangers.
One of the Tsalala young males.  *This image is copyright of its original author
Othawa cub with mom, credits to Hugo Breed.
 *This image is copyright of its original author
A Matter of Pride: Lions Into 2017: By James Tyrrell.
I started working on a map to show the various areas in which the different prides of Londolozi and its surrounds have been operating, but gave up very quickly as there has been significant overlap in each respective pride’s area of operation. Ok maybe not as much as all that, but things have changed so much over the last year that I feel to put out a map would be to attempt to assign some sort of permanence to each prides’ movements, and as we’ve seen, this has been far from the case. The Sparta pride continue to be conspicuous by their absence. Although it was initially the drought that saw them spending so much time hunting along the Sand River to the east of our boundary, the movement into the area of the six-strong Mhangeni Breakaway pride has most likely seen the Sparta females lose their hold on the central and southern areas of Londolozi. Although putting in an appearance every few weeks, there has been no consistency in the viewing of these lions. The situation may change at any time, but it is sad in some ways that we don’t encounter them as often as we used to, as this pride has been viewed for over 40 years on the reserve. The distinctive pale Sparta lioness with two cubs in the background.  *This image is copyright of its original author The Mhangeni Breakaway pride are denning their first litters to the east of Londolozi, but with the cubs barely a few weeks old, it will most likely be a while before the lionesses bring them onto Londolozi. The pride currently consists of six lionesses, the three young males having split off a few months back. They make regular forays onto Londolozi soil, and with the birth of their cubs are more than likely going to be taking up more permanent residence around the Sand River along our eastern borders where they are currently spending most of their time. Three Mhangeni Breakaway females and a young male watch an nyala bull on the riverbank.  *This image is copyright of its original author The original Mhangeni pride put in occasional appearances around our western areas; particularly around Ximpalapala koppie and down to the Sand River, where they have still been hunting buffalo with a startling frequency. The Majingilane males are often with them. One of the Tsalala lionesses looks back in the direction she came from, possibly hearing another lion roaring in the distance.  *This image is copyright of its original author The Tsalala pride continue to be the mainstay of our lion viewing, with the two adult lionesses and their five cubs moving between the Sand and Manyelethi rivers, spending a lot of time around the Londolozi camps. Although they used to be in company with the Matimba males fairly often, this coalition has been spending less and less time with the Tsalala females; maybe pushed east by the increased presence of the Majingilane, or maybe they have simply been spending more and more of their time with the Mhangeni Breakaway females. The Tsalala breakaway pride are the final piece in the puzzle, and continue to pose questions as to what will happen in the near future. Will the tailless female and young lioness rejoin the rest of the Tsalala pride or will they remain split? How soon will the young males go off on their own? Surely their departure is imminent?  *This image is copyright of its original author 2016 saw some big changes in the lion dynamics of Londolozi, and 2017 is likely to prove no different; with two ageing coalitions holding the fort and a host of young cubs in the area, anything could happen… 
Does anyone know what happened to the 2 other talamati males? One talamati male is now in a coalition with the mhangeni males but there were no updates recently on his two brothers. And what would happen if the brothers meet again in a few years. Would the one talamati male who's hanging around with the mhangeni males fight his brothers to death?
(01-06-2017, 06:14 PM)Lionpower Wrote: Does anyone know what happened to the 2 other talamati males? I guess they must be on Kruger, I haven't read updates on them. (01-06-2017, 06:14 PM)Lionpower Wrote: And what would happen if the brothers meet again in a few years. Would the one talamati male who's hanging around with the mhangeni males fight his brothers to death? I would say so, yes. West Street Males
 *This image is copyright of its original author Old Mala Mala Sightings From 2000 to 2004
2000
January 2000
5 Adult male lions - West Street Males: The dominant male lions of the northern and central western areas of Mala Mala. There were no sightings of all 5 together, but indications are that all are still around. The largest number of them seen together this month was a gathering of three. Behaviour of the West Street Males this month has reinforced the thought that they are on their way out. Response to the roaring of younger lions in areas they once patrolled has still not drawn much reaction from the West Street Males. Also, the West Street Males do not appear to have continued with their attempts to expand their territory towards the south of the reserve, this being seen to happen several months ago. There were relatively few sightings of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride during January, but most of these included at least some of the West Street Males in attendance. Protection from new male lions is definitely something needed at this time by the lionesses of this pride now that at least one of them has given birth and others appear pregnant. However, if the West Street Males are no longer as confident as they were some months ago, things do not bode well for these lionesses. Perhaps the West Street Males will continue to ignore what is happening on the outer limits of their area and concentrate on the Eyrefield Pride (as they have for most of their reign) and put aside any of their once strong expansionist behaviour. February, March and April 2000
5 Adult male lions - West Street Males: These male lions are those which are dominant in the central and western areas of Mala Mala. Over the preceding few months they have been seen mostly in small groups, with the biggest gathering being one when three of them came together. Lion behaviour during the floods and heavy rains appears to be such that the various prides or coalitions have split into smaller units and are moving about as such. Towards the beginning of April, two of the West Street Males were found stalking a portion of the large herd of buffalo. In this instance they were not seen to meet with any success, but a few days later, they were found having killed two buffalo from this same herd. A third member of the coalition joined them in this feast which lasted several days. The West Street Males are starting to look old and although they still roar and display signs of confidence, they are not moving out to meet newer challengers already testing their outer territorial boundaries. The only lionesses which they have been seen with are members of the Eyrefield Pride. May 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males - these male lions which dominate the central and western parts of Mala Mala seemed to spend much of their time with lionesses from the Eyrefield Pride, a pattern which has not changed much since they became dominant two or so years ago. It is quite usual for male lions to show greater interest in the lionesses of prides controlled by them when those families have very young cubs and this month at least five cubs were 'introduced' to the outside world by their mothers from this pride. There were no sightings of all five males together, with the biggest single gathering being four. On this last occasion when the four were seen by themselves, one was found the following morning feeding on the remains of a freshly killed baby giraffe and sharing it reluctantly with one of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses and her young cub. There was no sign of the other three males and the lion on the kill in a typically mercenary fashion, made no effort to call them. It is not known if this male lion killed the giraffe by himself or, upon parting from the other three, chanced upon the lioness and either with her took the giraffe down, or simply helped himself to her kill. Whilst this was happening, the fifth member of this coalition was some kilometres away with five other members of the Eyrefield Pride (three adult females and two sub-adults), hunting, apparently unsuccessfully, on the opposite bank of the Sand River. June 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: These male lions seem to have settled down to their lot and appear quite content with sticking with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride and not being too ambitious with any territorial initiatives. There were no sightings this month of all five lions together, but on one day there were three sightings which accounted for all five. On this day two of the lions were with members of the Eyrefield Pride, one was alone and the other two were also on their own. The night before three of the West Street Males and two of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses (as well as the two surviving cubs) were found with a freshly killed impala. As could be expected, the 'lions share' went to the West Street Males and here specifically one of them dominated. It is thought that this is the one which the following day was found by himself, the others having left him to what he had claimed of the kill. The other two males found that day were very fat, their footprints emerging from a marshy area, the trees surrounding it being full of vultures. Remains of a kill suggested that a young buffalo had been eaten. In keeping with what is known of male lions in this area, they probably kill a great deal more of their own food than is commonly believed. There was one sighting of one of the West Street Males with a single lioness, this close to the Sand River on the Charleston-Flockfield boundary. The lioness may have been a member of the Eyrefield Pride. July 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: These males were again seen on a regular basis, patrolling the western sectors of the central and northern parts of Mala Mala. As to be expected from past performances, the West Street Males spent a fair amount of time with females of the Eyrefield Pride. However, there were no sightings this month of all five males together and several of them on their own. At one of the latter encounters, two of the males were found on the remains of a sub adult female buffalo, a kill almost certainly made by them and which took several days to consume. As is the norm with lions, no effort was made to call in other members of the coalition or females of the Eyrefield Pride and the carcass was theirs alone. August 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: There were no sightings of all five of these males together, the single biggest gathering being one when four of them temporarily joined up. As has become the norm with the West Street Males, there were few sightings of the Eyrefield lionesses which did not have at least one of these males in tow. Given the fact that it appears that the Eyrefield Pride have lost their current litter of cubs (these fathered by the West Street Males) and that the two younger males which have so far forced the West Street Males from their northern reaches are looking to move further south, it is looking increasingly evident that the West Street Males will disappear without leaving many descendants. September 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: The West Street Males are still around, but not particularly dominant. This month they were often seen with the females of the Eyrefield Pride and certainly would have assisted when they and the lionesses killed at least half-a-dozen buffalo within 24 hours. One of the West Street Males tried his luck this month in mating with a female from the Styx Pride, but the growls of aggression from the lionesses brought the two Mlowathi Males running in and they administered a severe beating. Whilst this was going on, other West Street Males were not particularly far away and must have heard the commotion, but aside from a few ineffectual roars, made no effort to head north to assist their companion. Their days are certainly numbered and it would be of great benefit for the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride if replacement males arrive soon and see them off. Matings between the West Street males and the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride are continuing, but, unless the West Street Males somehow manage to cling on to power for another few years, any cubs would be doomed as other males move in and kill them. If the Mlowathi Males succeed the West Street Males, then it may be some months before this happens, perhaps only after the lionesses of the Styx Pride have given birth. October 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: October saw no sightings of any of the West Street Males on their own; they were always encountered together with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. The West Street Males appear more bedraggled by the day and it cannot be long before they are overthrown and replaced by younger, stronger lions. It is also strongly suspected that one of the five West Street Males is already gone, perhaps killed in a fight with other lions, perhaps the Mlowathi Males. In spite of their decrepit appearances, they still remain very effective killers, as was seen this month when they and some of the lionesses of the Eyrefield pride killed two yearling buffalo; the one buffalo appeared to have been caught and killed by one of the male lions which then proceeded to dominate the carcass, allowing some of the others to approach and feed only after they had grovelled in submission. November 2000
Five adult males - West Street Males: Only four of the West Street Males were seen this month. It has been suspected for some time now that the fifth one is dead. These male lions are looking more decrepit by the day; just how long they can hang onto power is anyones guess. This month they agan spent much time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, sharing in at least two of their big kills, a male buffalo and an adult female giraffe respectively. As old and tatterred as they appear, the West Street Males are still in charge of at least the area covered by the lionesses of the large Eyrefield Pride and towards the end of November when at least three of these females came into oestrus, the West Street Males were there and willing to mate. The unfortunate thing for these lionesses is that if the West Street Males do not stay around for very much longer, as is suspected, then any cubs which may be born will be killed by whatever coalition of males assumes control. December 2000
Four adult males - West Street Males: The surviving four West Street Males are soldiering on, mostly looking quiet tattered. Even on those days when their bellies appear drum-tight, their ribs often show. Although December saw them frequently in the company of lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, compared with previous months they were perhaps more often on their own. No matings between the West Street Males and lionesses from the Eyrefield Pride were recorded this month. There was one instance when all four West Street Males teamed up and followed the large herd of buffalo for a couple of days. In spite of the fact that they were obviously lean, they just didn't seem to gather the courage to tackle the buffalo - this perhaps wise considering the good condition of the buffalo and the fact that there were several hundred of them. All Credits goes to Mala Mala West Street Males
2001
January 2001 Sightings of the West Street Males during this game report period were relatively few, particularly in the latter parts of the month. Although there were several sightings of members of this coalition on their own or in pairs, they continued to spend much time with the females of the Eyrefield Pride. At least two of the lionesses of this pride have given birth over the last month. These new arrivals for some of the lionesses would cause the pride to separate out for at least some of the time, and this too would perhaps fragment the coalition. At the beginning of this game report period one of the West Street Males was mating with one of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. Sightings of the Mlowathi Males to the north of the area controlled by the West Street Males were more frequent than has perhaps been the case in the past. This may signify a greater willingness from these younger males to probe south towards the West Street Males which then might encourage the older less secure lions to move away. February 2001 This month saw the first sighting in many weeks of all four of the West Street Males in one group. At this sighting they were together with two lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride and the young male which has been with these lions for many months now. Two of the West Street Males were guarding these two lionesses and following whenever they moved. It is highly likely that they were approaching oestrus. On another occasion the four males were in close proximity to one another, roaring back and forth. All were very fat, probably having eaten a buffalo or some other such large item of prey. As usual, many of the encounters with the West Street Males this month were of them in close attendance to the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. Several of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride are lactating and others showing signs of being pregnant and so it is not surprising that the West Street Males are continuing to show great interest in the proceedings. March 2001 These old males continue to hold onto power and the Eyrefield Pride, the question is when will they be overthrown and which lions will do it. March saw little change in the lives of these four lions, with them still patrolling the borders of their territory and still spending much time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. Quite surprisingly, the West Street Males seemed to do a fair amount of roaring this month. Roaring is generally regarded as being a sign of confidence and the more vocal a coalition of males, the less likely others will challenge them. Have the West Street Males found a second wind, or is this perhaps desperation stage? There was only one sighting this month of all four males together, and this with 6 of the lionesses. Towards the end of the month, three of the male lions were with five of the females of the Eyrefield Pride when an adult female waterbuck was killed. In spite of the fact that this antelope would have probably weighed at least 150 kilograms, it was quite clear that all the work was done by the females and the males received the proverbial 'lions share'. April 2001 The four West Street Males appear to have a second-wind and seem to be maintaining well. Perhaps it will not last long, but, in general, their physical condition appears somewhat better than was the case some months ago. This month, particularly towards the beginning, there were several sightings of all four of these males together, on one occasion accompanying four of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. Later in the month one of the males was mating with one of the lionesses of this same family. There were several sightings during April when these lions set about with tremendous roaring displays, advertising their presence to all around. May 2001 As has become expected of these lions now, the four West Street Males, they spent much of their time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. Particularly towards the beginning of the game report period there were several sightings of all four males together and in each case they were also in the company of lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. When the Eyrefield Prides cubs were seen for the first time, this at a buffalo kill, the four males were also there. It is quite likely that they in fact assisted in the killing of this large bull. Interestingly, these males do not appear that interested in the cubs and the youngsters seem to deliberately stay well away from them. Speculation as to how long it is before these old males get replaced is continuing. Although the Mlowathi Males, which control the area to the north and east of the West Street Males, did not venture far from this area, there was some indication that at least one of the West Street Males made contact with them and was chased off. June 2001 It is quite likely that all four of the West Street Males were alive towards the end of May, but certainly before mid-June, one had died. It is not known what happened to it but reports from a neighbour were of finding hyaenas nibbling from the carcass of an adult male lion. Perhaps it was killed by other lions, or even in a potential every-day mishap which could happen whilst trying to subdue some powerful prey animal such as a buffalo, giraffe or zebra. Who knows, but the lion is dead and only three remain. What was interesting to notice was the reaction of the remaining trio as not all responded in the same fashion. One of the survivors seemed to take the death of their companion quite badly - not only was it very nervous when approached by a vehicle, but it would frequently stare westwards towards where his companions remains lay, and would walk that way, roaring loudly. The other two males hardly seemed to notice his absence. With big coalitions of male lions - and the West Street Males were no exception, there being five initially - cliques seem to form and certain animals have a stronger affection for one another than with the other members. These sub-groups would frequently been seen together as they hunted or patrolled within the coalitions domain. So it is quite likely that, while they were all alive, the male lion which displayed such a sense of loss was indeed closer to the dead lion than the others had been. This behaviour persisted for a week or so and then all settled down again. Even the Eyrefield Pride, the lionesses with which these males have stayed during their reign over the area, noticed that something was amiss and they and their cubs went as far from the scene as possible, way to the south and east of their known range. Just what will happen now is not known - although it is highly likely that the remaining three old lions will soon be kicked out, the question is when and by what 'new' lions. Interestingly, the surviving three lions have not given up entirely. When five young males ventured into the southern areas of their range (these being the approximately 5-year-old males from the Charleston Pride which made a surprise reappearance) the trio of West Street Males were there in a flash, going all the way down to the southern-most point of their domain. Although they were not heard to roar as powerfully as could have been expected, they certainly did muster a suitable show of force in response to the intrusion. So, for all their decrepit appearances and the whittling away of their numbers, it appears that they West Street Males will not give in without a fight. July 2001 The three remaining West Street Males still seem to be holding on. Although they certainly appear more beaten up by the day, their bellies are nearly always full, this probably mostly courtesy of the Eyrefield Pride which they still spend much time with, particularly the male with the very torn nose. Although this latter male lion spends so much time with the cubs of the Eyrefield Pride - this when compared with his two companions - the young lions usually give him a wide berth, evidently highly respectful of him. When the other two lions are around, they usually command a fair amount of attention from the cubs and have even been seen playing with them. August 2001 Three adult males - West Street Males: The surviving West Street Males continued to survive, but the threat of challengers appears greater every day. Towards the beginning of the month the male considered the most dominant was found at the very southern part of their range, badly beaten and limping badly. He stayed here for two days, licking his wounds and then moved north to join the others. On another occasion, two young male lions 'joined' the West Street Males and the lions of the Eyrefield Pride on a buffalo kill. This blatant invasion, although not an immediate threat, serves warning of the lack of confidence developing amongst the West Street Males. Although the West Street Males spent much of the time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, they were on occasion seen by themselves. September 2001 The West Street Males had an interesting month. Five young male lions were seen several times towards the southerly parts of where they are known to roam and this may have encouraged them to keep clear of this area. But, to the north of the West Street Males' domain, their neighbours, the Mlowathi Males, were strangely absent. The combination of these two factors probably contributed towards the West Street Males moving further north than they have been for many months. As old and failing as the West Street Male coalition may be, this did not stop them from proclaiming their presence and continuing to act like powerful dominant males. There was no evidence to suggest that the Mlowathi Males responded to this incursion in the lower parts of their domain. There were several sighting of the West Street Males together with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. October 2001 Three adult males - West Street Males: These old males found a new lease on life with the almost overnight disappearance of the Mlowathi Males from the northern parts of the reserve. Perhaps with some pressure being felt to their south, this was exactly what they were looking for, a vacancy which could be occupied with scarcely a fight. Two of the lions in particular spent almost all of October patrolling to and fro along northern Mala Mala boundary, roaring and scent-marking for all to know about. And the Mlowathi Males failed to respond. They did not come rushing back to reclaim territory and this of course caused the Styx Pride to rush north, towards where it has been assumed that the Mlowathi Males have gone and away from the West Street Males. The third West Street Male spent most of the month with the 2 lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride which have the five cubs, joining his companions upon occasion or having them join him at others. November 2001 Three adult males - The West Street Males spent most of the month away from the Eyrefield Pride, with two of them patrolling the north-eastern parts of Mala Mala, the area recently vacated by the Mlowathi Males. The West Street Male with the torn nose, which usually stays with the Eyrefield Pride lionesses and their cubs, was often on his own, seemingly torn between going northeast to join with his two companions in their patrols and following the Eyrefield Pride which apparently moved west. The first sighting of all three male lions together was when they chased other lions off a buffalo kill on central Eyrefield. Then, towards the end of this report period and after the male with the torn nose had gone for many days without the females, all three again joined forces and set about following the large herd of buffalo. And for at least four days and many kilometres they followed the buffalo before realising that they were onto a hiding for nothing. Towards months end the buffalo were getting good quantities of grass and were fit and healthy, the fragmented herds had amalgamated and they were suddenly big and dangerous again. But others have noticed the absence of the Mlowathi Males too and the West Street Males will have to really make an effort if they are to hang onto this area. Other young male lions have been seen on the northeastern parts of the reserve and these will also have noticed the availability of the territory. Just why the West Street Males seemed reluctant to venture west to follow the Eyrefield Pride is not known - either they see a major threat in the area or no threat at all; perhaps the latter if the Eyrefield Pride and cubs are prepared to venture that way. December 2001 The West Street Males started the month off on a bad note when they were routed by a group of four young male lions which appear to be moving into the north-eastern parts of the reserve, part of the area vacated by the Mlowathi Males some months ago. The West Street Males have up to now also been vying for this particular piece of land. The clash happened when the two West Street Males which had been patrolling the northern parts of the reserve for the last few months came face to face with four younger male lions. The four young males - three looking to be brothers of approximately 5 or 6 years of age and another male with a large mane - were fat and full, probably having killed a buffalo during the night. They were lying with the old Emsagwen lioness which was not as fat as they were and looking somewhat perturbed by the presence of the young males. When the five lions were found, they seemed more concerned about sheltering against a fine drizzle which was falling than on anything else. Suddenly, the two old West Street Males arrived from the north, perhaps following the large herd of buffalo which had evidently been sent packing by the five the night before. Upon seeing the younger lions, the two West Street Males froze. They were still sixty or so meters away and the young lions had not yet seen them. After studying the opposition for a while and urinating in the area and scratching the soil, the West Street Males slowly advanced upon the other lions. They approached with a deliberate, stiff-legged gait, body-upright position - all designed to intimidate the opposition. They also separated slightly so that they were 15 or so meters apart. When they were approximately 30 meters from the younger males, they were spotted. The younger lions' hackles went up and they raised their heads to alert status, glaring at the approaching bigger lions. But they did not panic - at least this was not noticed in their behaviour - and this may have saved them. One or two of them started licking themselves and one stood up and simulated mating with one of his brothers - acts which showed near indifference to the approaching older males. The Emsagwen lioness knew what was coming and wanted to be anyplace but in the immediate area. As one of the West Street Males was rubbing his mane into a tree and scrape-marking, his companion turned away, this probably a fatal move. The younger lions noticed the hesitation and, led by the biggest male, started towards the two West Street Males, first at a slow walk and then at a run. The West Street Males tried to make a stand, but it was too much. One was cornered and briefly mauled, but then managed to flee and the rout was on! The two West Street Males ran as fast as they could with the large-maned male of the four in hot pursuit, roaring as he went. The three younger males appeared to be slightly overwhelmed at what had been achieved and regrouped in the original area, leaving the pursuit to the older and most dominant of their group. And the West Street Males fled, the one following the other by 100 or so meters and perhaps fooling the leading male that he was the enemy and causing it to sprint away from him, not just run with the easy lope which lions use to cover great distances at deceptively fast speeds. The pursuit did not last for more than a kilometre before the roaring victor returned to his companions. Surprisingly, these two West Street Males were seen the next day, still on the eastern bank of the Sand River and many kilometres further south and watching the large herd of buffalo. Nothing came of this and for the next couple of weeks all three of the West Street Males were on the western bank of the Sand River, spending some quality time with the Eyrefield Pride. Then two of them crossed the river again, but did not go anywhere near the northeastern parts where the four young male lions seem to be concentrating their efforts. Nevertheless, once these two West Street Males crossed, the Styx Pride moved off. But for the rest of the month the West Street Males seemed to spend time doing what they did before trying to move into the northern and eastern areas. All Credits goes to MALA MALA West Street Males
2002
January 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: Towards the beginning of January, the three West Street Males made a brief foray back onto the eastern bank of the Sand River and then northwards up the Mlowathi River. Two of them were probably tempted across by the large herd of buffalo and then a couple of days later all three were seen close to the north-western border of Mala Mala. But this seems to be as far as it went. Other sightings of them were closer to home and often together with the lionesses of the Eyrefield. February 2002 The West Street Males spent much of the time with the Eyrefield Pride - of what was seen of them. All of these lions basically spent the month on the western bank of the Sand River, this probably to the relief of the Styx Pride. On one occasion, all three West Street Males started to cross the Sand River at the causeway close to the Mala Mala Main Camp, but then stopped, turned around and retreated. Goodness knows why. They appear more and more tattered by the day and are probably now really realising how time has caught up with them and are almost certainly not nearly as confidant as they once were. This can been seen in other aspects of their behaviour too. Towards the end of the game report period when one of the West Street Males was encountered on the eastern bank of the Sand River by himself, he acted with great apprehension when approached by a vehicle and showed little of the self-assurance so much the hallmark of the adult male lion. This trip to the eastern bank did not last long and the lone lion was soon on the other bank of the river and heading west, looking for his companions. Also, the roaring so often heard from these males hardly happens any more. Again, a strong sign that they decidedly uncertain of their future. March 2002 The West Street Males soldier on, patrolling their seemingly ever-diminishing domain or staying with members of the Eyrefield Pride. None of the West Street Males were seen on the eastern bank of the Sand River this month. April 2002 The West Street Males had an up and down sort of month, chasing off one of the Split Rock Males and then having the same lion return and chase them away. But otherwise they were seen quite frequently and at the end of the month killed an adult female buffalo which they shared with members of the Eyrefield Pride, including five small cubs which they may or may not have fathered. Differing markedly from previous months, most sightings of the West Street Males were of them by themselves and not with the Eyrefield Pride. Sightings of this trio ranged from western Marthly (where two of them were seen chasing after 200 or so buffalo without success) to central-western Flockfield where they approached an area where four male lions from the south were mating with their daughter, the youngest lioness of the Eyrefield Pride. May 2002 The month belonged to the three old West Street Male lions. If lions could ever come back from the brink and triumph, then the West Street Males demonstrated this. They started things off in a modest fashion, trailing the large herd of buffalo and finally catching and killing an old cow. The following day the West Street Males were not the only ones feeding on the carcass. They had been joined by five lionesses and 10 cubs of the Eyrefield Pride. Five of the cubs were young, perhaps only five months of age. The other five cubs were those born sometime around January last year. Of the lionesses, four were the mothers of the various cubs and the fifth was the youngest lioness of the pride, the three-and-a-half-year-old fathered by the West Street Males. This young lioness had just been mating with four adult male lions further to the south, the same four male lions which are suspected of coercing some of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride away from the West Street Males, mating with them and perhaps fathering the five young cubs now with the others at the buffalo kill. But because the West Street Males were familiar with the lionesses from past liaisons, they would not seek to kill the cubs, thinking perhaps that they were theirs since the lionesses were 'theirs'. But this was just the start of things. The following day, the same four upstart male lions mentioned previously, pushed north and were trailing the large herd of buffalo, finally killing a young bull. This happened not far from where the West Street Males, lionesses and cubs would have been lying up, no doubt replete. But the noise would have been enough and the West Street Males came running in and, perhaps even surprising themselves, routed the four younger males and claimed the carcass for themselves. The next day the spoils were being shared by the West Street Males, four of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses and the five larger cubs. By this stage the lionesses would surely have been thinking what powerful lions the West Street Males still were. But it was not over yet. The next day the four other male lions regrouped and followed the large herd of buffalo again, this taking them once more within range of the three West Street Males. No buffalo was caught, but the general pandemonium, which goes with buffalo trying to repulse a lion attack, again attracted the West Street Males and this probably saved the buffalo. The focus of the 4 lions then turned to defence against the three West Street Males, but from their previous and most recent experiences, their hearts were not in it and perhaps the best view that the West Street Males had of them was their heels as they fled. And for the rest of the month the West Street Males were seen to live in peace, with all 10 cubs and most of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride co-existing with them. Is this another lease on life for these old survivors and if so, will this be enough to get at least half of the cubs of the Eyrefield Pride beyond the stage of vulnerability? June 2002 There were several sightings of the West Street Males this month, particularly towards the beginning of the game-report-period. They were seen alone patrolling territory and together with the Eyrefield Pride and they generally seemed to have a good month. The one incident, which occurred halfway through June, and which may have caused something of a disruption in their reign, was a potential clash with the Golf Course Males. This occurred when a buffalo was killed in thick reeds in the Sand River. The lions that killed the buffalo were not seen, but it was probably members of the Eyrefield Pride and maybe one of the West Street Males. The distress calls of the buffalo were heard by the three Golf Course Male lions and the lionesses of the Selati Pride, which happened to be way north of their usual haunts and ( in a natural response to a potentially easy meal) the lions headed that way. Just what happened at the scene of the buffalo kill is not known, but the Selati Pride did not stay - they went south, probably leaving the three Golf Course Males at the scene. Two of the West Street Males were seen entering the area that night, but maybe a bit too late to undo any damage which might have been done. The following day, the two Eyrefield Pride lionesses with the five approximately 7-month-old cubs were seen moving steadily away from the area and two days later the Golf Course Males were back in the south of the reserve, territory more familiar to them. After this incident, little was seen of the West Street Males and Eyrefield Pride, so it is not known just what happened. Did the Golf Course Males end up inflicting harm on any of the cubs of the Eyrefield Pride or was the interaction more noise than anything else? And were the West Street Males which entered the area later able to chase off the Golf Course Males and restake their claim in the area and over the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride? Just what the Golf Course Males and Selati Pride were doing so far north when the kill took place is not known, but the coinciding of events could well have proved tragic for the Eyrefield Pride and as an extension for the West Street Males. Earlier in the month, however, the West Street Males put on yet another display of their forever-young image when they wrestled a buffalo bull to the ground after following the large herd of buffaloes for a day. This carcass was later enjoyed not only by these three, but also by members of the Eyrefield Pride and their cubs - another case of the male lions providing food for cubs (and in the case of the 7-month-old cubs of the Eyrefield Pride, which were the main beneficiaries, the West Street Males may not even be their fathers!) Other than the above, what was seen of the West Street Males suggested that they continued with life as before. There was no hint of trouble from the four younger male lions which they interacted with last month and chased south. July 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: The three West Street Males survived another month and seemed to stay strong. They ended July on a fine note when two of them were seen killing a buffalo after charging into a herd which had come down to the river to drink. Although the West Street Males did spend time with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, there were several sightings of the lions of this pride unaccompanied by their old mates. Towards the middle of July the three West Street Males made contact with the Styx Pride, the lionesses which they have never managed to dominate. This happened when the large herd of buffalo moved north through Styx Pride territory and the West Street Males followed. Whatever interaction happened must have been brief and the Styx Pride fled north whilst the West Street Males failed to pursue. Perhaps the biggest blow to the West Street Males actually took place last month, but the results were only known in July when it became evident that three of the nearly one-and-a-half year old cubs of the Eyrefield Pride had indeed been killed in June. This was thought to have taken place in mid-June when the Eyrefield Pride caught a buffalo and the Golf Course Males came storming in to steal the kill. The West Street Males were not at the scene and the Golf Course Males probably had quite an easy time of it. None of this action was actually witnessed since the buffalo had been killed in an inaccessible area, but all evidence suggested that this is what took place. It was only this month that the Eyrefield Pride was seen with the survivors. These older cubs present the best chance for the West Street Males to leave their genes in the area and now that only two are still alive, things look even bleaker. August 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males The West Street Males seemed to enjoy a resurgence in their hold on their territory during August, patrolling areas when not with the Eyrefield Pride and roaring perhaps more frequently and with greater vigour relative to other recent performances. This behaviour may well have been the cause of the Styx Prides movement further north and east to try to stay away from their clutches. Many of the sightings of the West Street Males were of them together with various groupings of the Eyrefield Pride and their cubs. But apart from this regular territory maintenance there were no unusual dramas in the lives of the West Street Males and of course their hope will be for this to carry on for as long as possible. September 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: This aging trio continued to prosper and were seen in areas perhaps beyond their usual range, once to steal a kill which may in fact have been made by the Eyrefield Pride, the lions mostly under their control. Their 'outward' movement may also be the reason why the Styx Pride has stayed away from the SW parts of areas which they have in the past used regularly. There were several sightings of the West Street Males together with various gatherings of members of the Eyrefield Pride. October 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: The old West Street Males seem to have had a good October. Although they certainly spent time with various members of the Eyrefield Pride, they were also frequently seen by themselves patrolling territory. Two young male lions made an appearance in the heart of their territory and spent over a week in the area before the West Street Males appeared on the scene. It is doubtful that any physical interaction occurred between these two coalitions, but the West Street Males no doubt still carry enough 'presence' to encourage youngsters such as these to go and look for easier pickings. Soon after the West Street Males were seen heading north to deal with the threat of the younger lions, they were found on the eastern parts of the Mala Mala/ Flockfield boundary eating an adult male buffalo which they must have killed. This they fed upon for some days before leaving it to one of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses and her two cubs. This particular area of the reserve has always been considered marginal in terms of the West Street Males' territory. But this was not the only 'marginal' area explored by the West Street Males in October. They were seen in other such spots, patrolling as if they had all the power in the world. This exploration of peripheral areas does not bode well for the Styx Pride, the lions which typically occupy the northern parts of Mala Mala and which have had nothing but hostilities from the West Street Males as they have avoided their domination. Last time the West Street Males tried to expand territory, the Split Rock Males chased them off. This was a year ago. Will this happen again or will this aging trio continue to hold their own and more? November 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: The three old West Street Males continued to defy their age and roamed all over their established territory and beyond, chasing buffaloes and keeping young intruders at bay. Although all three males of the coalition were certainly seen together on some occasions, they were most often seen either alone or two of them together. There were sightings of the West Street Males towards the upper reaches of the Mlowathi and Matshapiri Rivers this month, these areas considered quite far beyond the limits of their usual territory. It was this time last year that the Split Rock Males humiliated the West Street Males, chasing them from the general area of the upper-Matshapiri. But now things seem to have turned around again and although it is thought that the Split Rock Males still patrol these areas, the West Street Males are obviously not that impressed. Towards the beginning of November, two of the West Street Males spent several days following the large herd of buffaloes, moving many kilometres in an effort to catch one. The West Street Males seemed to spend quite a bit of their time during November following buffaloes, but the only one which they were seen killing was a youngster, this when the lions happened to be at the river when the buffaloes came down to drink. Although the lions failed to catch a buffalo when they ran in on them the first time, they followed the herd as it left the water, and then caught the youngster soon after dark and in quite thick bush. On this particular occasion the one male lion showed remarkable courage in hanging onto the dying buffalo when many other buffaloes came back to try and rescue their stricken companion. But in spite of some of the buffaloes actually making contact with the male lion, it hung on and the herd were forced to retreat, leaving the young buffalo to its fate with the lions. Whilst this was happening, the third member of the coalition was busy finishing off another buffalo, but this one killed by the young male of the Eyrefield Pride. And, at the same time as the aforementioned was on the go, two other young male lions were not far away, also eating a buffalo. The West Street Males were obviously unaware of these foreign male lions and it was not until a couple of days later that the single West Street Male came across them. All indications were that the two young lions simply fled, abandoning the rotting remains of their buffalo kill to this older male. So the old West Street Males do definitely continue to rule and command respect; who would have thought so a year ago when their attempts to expand territory and dominate were so abruptly put to an end. Aside from their solo behaviour seen this month, the West Street Males were also seen frequently with members of the Eyrefield Pride. December 2002 Three adult males - West Street Males: Although definitely on the lean side now, the three West Street Males survived another month. No major adventures beyond the boundaries of their territory were recorded, except one effort to follow the large herd of buffaloes into the Kruger National Park close to Mala Mala's eastern boundary with this conservation area and one when a single West Street Male was found on NE Charleston.
Although the West Street Males continued to be seen with various groupings of the Eyrefield Pride, they also spent much time away from this family, which has been under their control for nearly five years now.
Perhaps one of the more spectacular sightings involving the West Street Males occurred near mid-December when all three lions, although within a few kilometres of one another, were separated and each was doing its own thing. One of them was with members of the Eyrefield Prde, one was following the large herd of buffaloes and the other seemed to be waiting in the rear of the other two, vacillating. All lions were lean, particularly the one following the large herd of buffaloes. If the buffaloes were aware of the lion, they gave no sign and for most of the day they were shadowed by the hungry lion. When the buffaloes reached the Matshapiri River and started moving downstream, the lion saw his chance in the broken terrain and soft sand and started moving closer to his intended prey. But, when he was perhaps less than fifty metres from them, another small group of buffaloes, which had been lagging behind the main body of the herd, arrived on the scene and suddenly the lion found himself between two groups. The smaller party of less than a dozen buffaloes nearly trampled on the lion before they noticed him and of course retreated with some haste before gathering themselves and staring at the lion. Showing typical courage of a lion in the face of retreating foes, the male lion simply glared at the buffaloes of this smaller group and then turned his attentions again towards the main herd. But now most of the buffaloes were more or less aware that at least one lion was behind them and they started moving away from him. The smaller group of buffaloes was still intent on catching up with the bigger part of the herd and again approached behind the lion.
When the main herd started to leave the river-bed, towards a large open area where they would have a better chance of defending themselves against whatever lions were trailing them, the half-dozen buffaloes behind them tried to catch up, bypassing the lion in the process. But to do this they had to scramble up a steep-sided section of the river bank and it was here that the lion saw an opportunity and went sprinting in, catching a young female buffalo which was bringing up the rear as she desperately tried to climb the bank. With the lions jaw firmly around the buffaloes' throat, there was almost no distress call and being at the base of the steep-sided and wooded river bank, the buffaloes which had reached the top never saw a thing. So, suspecting that the lion had simply failed to follow them, the rest of the herd did not return to attempt to rescue the buffalo which had been caught.
The single West Street Male was soon tucking into his hard-earned meal and for at least two-hours had everything to himself. But already the lion 'telegraph system' seemed to be at work. Goodness knows how the various groups of lions seem to communicate so successfully with one another, but, by the following morning, both other West Street Males that had been seen that day, as well as the members of the Eyrefield Pride, had arrived at the buffalo carcass and nothing was left. All lions were fat and content, at least for a short time.
Later on in the month the West Street Males tried to follow the large herd of buffaloes again, but seemed to expend a huge amount of energy walking after them and getting precious little reward. One of the male lions found an abandoned baby buffalo and ate this, but the others appeared to go hungry.
There were one or two sightings this month of all three of the West Street Males together, but these were the exception and they appeared to spend the month away from one another or perhaps with only one other member of the coalition. Looking thin and with teeth now wearing out, one wonders when these old lions will finally be forced to give in.All Credits goes to MALA MALA West Street Males
2003
January 2003 The three West Street Males may never again be seen together. By months end only two of these males were being encountered. Towards the beginning of January all three of the West Street Males were still alive, but not well. One of them was almost skeletal he was so thin. Goodness knows what could have happened; this was the same male which last month single-handedly killed the buffalo which was later shared with the other two West Street Males and many of the Eyrefield Pride. Towards the beginning of the game-report-period, this same lion, alone and thinner than ever, was seen pursuing the large herd of buffaloes, catching a young calf, but then being chased off by the other buffaloes which responded to the youngsters' distress calls. And things became worse from here before he finally disappeared. It could well be that some disease such as bovine tuberculosis has finally kicked in and killed him. Old lions such as the West Street Males, which have been around for nearly five years, would really be battling to maintain energy levels as their bodies simply wear out. Under such stress the immune system will be compromised and latent diseases will have the chance to take over. The other two West Street Males have continued to soldier on and don't look too bad in terms of body condition. Apart from the sightings when they were alone, the West Street Males continued to spend time with various members of the Eyrefield Pride, the lions which they have dominated for the last five years. With the probable death of the one West Street Males, one wonders just how long the other two will be able to hold onto power. Halfway through January, when one of the West Street Males was responding to an intrusion into the northwestern parts of their territory by a single 'foreign' male lion, he was seen pacing and scent-marking vigorously, a valiant attempt to show others that the area was still held by strong forces. But when other lions were heard roaring far to his east, the lion stopped, listened but did not answer. Should these two West Street Males not be able to hold out for another few months, chances are good that at least some of their progeny will be killed by whichever male lions inevitably take over. February 2003 Sightings this month confirmed that there are now only two West Street Males left, the third having died sometime last month. When the West Street Males rolled into this area nearly five years ago, there were five of them; three have now died, all probably in the last two years. Just how long it's going to be before the other two simply cannot hold on is anyone's guess. For the West Street Males, they had their prime at least two years ago, but what has probably kept them alive up until now has been a lack of competent competition; there just do not seem to have been any coalitions of young males capable of filling their boots! This month the two surviving West Street Male soldiered on, patrolling territory alone or together or hanging out with members of the Eyrefield Pride. All of these lions seem set to benefit from the drought conditions due to the fact that this is forcing the large herd of buffaloes to remain dependent on the central and northern parts of the Sand River. For much of the month, however, the buffaloes were in superb physical condition and for the most part managed to fight the lions off. However, towards months end, the lack of food and perhaps also the stress of having lions so often around and being forced to remain area-bound, started to tell and the lions had greater success. This promised bounty of good food in the months ahead could keep the old West Street Males going for a while longer still. On the other hand, a concentrated supply of food could tempt other lions in, these to overthrow a now probably quite weak coalition. March 2003 The two old West Street Males appeared to have had a good month, starting off with the killing of an adult female buffalo from the large herd of buffaloes, at that time weakened by a lack of rain. Later they killed an abandoned buffalo calf and all looked set for them to continue to plunder the buffaloes. But then rains fell, not enough to break the drought, but sufficient to give the buffaloes some more green grass and scope to move beyond the drought-induced-restrictions. The buffaloes left the reserve for a week and when they returned, the West Street Males immediately headed towards them. But, having had a week of good grass, the buffaloes were once more their old belligerent selves and the West Street Males had to back off. All in all the two West Street Males seemed to get around their territory and even beyond it during March. At one time they were found near the upper parts of the Matshapiri River, close to where they were routed by the Split Rock Males over a year ago. They also spent time with the Eyrefield Pride, the group of females which they control. April 2003 In addition to being seen alone or in only each others' company, the West Street Males were also seen accompanying members of the Eyrefield Pride this month. Although they were again somewhat tempted by buffaloes from the large herd, these proved too powerful for the old males and they were not seen to catch any. This may very well have been one of the reasons why there were perhaps not as many sightings during April of the West Street Males as has been the case over past months. They and the Eyrefield Pride could have moved off following other easier to catch animals after failing against the still healthy buffaloes on Mala Mala. But, in general, the West Street Males appeared to do well this month. May 2003 The West Street Males continued to prosper - or at least stay alive. Food has been plentiful for them, probably largely a result of the work done by the Eyrefield Pride lionesses, which they spent a fair amount of time with this month. A rhino carcass also provided them with a good supply of meat for a week or so. But, as their teeth wear out, so the food they are able to get to becomes less useful. However, an extra month alive for the West Street Males is another month closer to security for the four one-and-a-half-year-old cubs of the Eyrefield Pride; the bigger they are when 'replacement male lions' eventually chase the West Street Males away, the less likely it will be that they are killed. And young male lions are at the door. This month there were several sightings of two approximately five-year-old male lions hanging around the northern parts controlled by the West Street Males and also north of this, onto northern Mala Mala and Eyrefield. Probably in response to this intrusion, we heard plenty of lion roaring in this area, a very obvious way to demonstrate that they, the West Street Males, are not yet ready to hand over power. One wonders just how much of this roaring was done by the four-and-a-half-year-old male lion of the Eyrefield Pride. His presence in the area would now probably be of some help to the West Street Males and although he is still deferential to them, they surely value his presence. The two young male lions seen were somewhat suspicious of landrovers, suggesting that they have originated from an area where vehicles are not often encountered, perhaps the Kruger National Park. It was probably these same two young males which were last seen towards the middle of the game-report-period near the northern parts of the reserve and close to where some of the Styx Pride lionesses were hiding - or at least it appeared as if they were hiding. June 2003 The two old West Street Male survived another month and ended up looking fit for their age, which is now probably somewhere between 12 and 13 years. There were no sightings this month of just the two of them; when both were present, they were together with members of the Eyrefield Pride, the lionesses and cubs of the family under their charge. There were only three sightings of only a single West Street Male, this probably of one of them out patrolling territory. July 2003 The West Street Males survived another month and ended it looking quite good. Although they were seen separately from the various members of the Eyrefield Pride, they seemed to spend most of the month with various groupings of these lionesses - which of course means a more secure source of food for them. August 2003 The two old West Street Males soldiered on this month. Towards the beginning of August, one of them, probably after finding himself on the wrong side of a buffalo, was battling to walk and spent four or five days alone and recuperating on NW Mala Mala in the general area of the Sand River. Although very lean after this rest-up, his wounds healed and he soon joined up with his companion as well as the Eyrefield Pride. As has become expected, the West Street Males spent more time together with the lionesses and young of the Eyrefield Pride than they did alone. Towards the end of the month these old males proved their worth when they effected a speedy end to a buffalo hunt by playing an important role in wrestling down an adult female buffalo. September 2003 Compared with previous months, the two West Street Male lions probably spent more time away from the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride than usual. Often they were accompanied by the now impressively large young male lion from the Eyrefield Pride. Although some of these excursions appeared to be dedicated to territorial patrols, many involved finding food, either fortuitous scavenging or following after buffaloes. But, in spite of their quite impressive workload and the generally good access which they have had to food, the body condition of the two surviving West Street Males seems to decline every day. One wonders just how long it will be before they simply cannot go on any more. October 2003 The West Street Male lions had an extraordinary month. After spending the initial days of this report-period wandering around with the Eyrefield Pride, hunting, and doing nothing particularly extraordinary, two adult male lions wandered into the northwestern parts of the West Street Males' domain, roared and then moved off again. Although they may have done so, the West Street Males were not seen to respond to this. Then, near the beginning of October, when they and some of the Eyrefield Pride attacked some old buffalo bulls near the Main Camp, one of the West Street Male received a hard blow from the horn of one of the large bulls and, for a couple of days, lay in the reeds near the causeway, recuperating. As it turned out, this could hardly have been a better place to recover; other members of the Eyrefield Pride soon chanced by and killed a large buffalo bull close to where he was resting. Naturally, the old lion participated and almost certainly benefited from this huge feed. They also killed a zebra later that same day, close to where the dead buffalo lay and this too added to the mountain of food. A day or so later, an old male lion pitched up at the kill and the West Street Male and two lionesses confronted him, but did not drive him off completely. The following morning, the other West Street Male, young male of the Eyrefield Pride and the rest of the lionesses and youngsters also arrived and the old male lion received a mental (and perhaps something of a physical) battering as the males, and sometimes the females too, surrounded and harassed it, roaring and posturing as they circled the probably terrified lion. But in the end, the old male was allowed to move off and the West Street Males and others continued with their lives.
A few days later, the two Split Rock Males, northern neighbours to the West Street Males, came far south, deep into West Street Male territory, roared, chased buffaloes and then headed northwards again, but made it quite clear that they were challenging the West Street Males. Initially only one of the West Street Males responded by roaring several kilometres to the south of where the two Split Rock Males were lying. But, the following day, both West Street Males moved in and over a period of nearly a week, stayed around the upper-reaches of the Sand River, roaring loudly. Once this was over, they joined up with members of the Eyrefield Pride and were probably instrumental in killing an adult female buffalo and calf close to where they had been resting. Once these buffaloes had been consumed, the Eyrefield Pride members chased some other lions (the Mlowathi Pride) from another buffalo carcass which they had killed nearby, and, a day later, were joined by the West Street Males. Then, just as this carcass was being finished, the Split Rock Males decided to make a return and, soon after the West Street Males had moved off, leaving the lionesses and youngsters nibbling at what remained of the feast, they came roaring in. Initially it looked as if a rout was the order of the day; the Eyrefield Pride fled and the West Street Males appeared to be running from the Split Rock Males. The Split Rock Males, reading this as the flow of battle, gave chase, pursuing the fleeing West Street Males for at least a couple of kilometres. Then, when it seemed as if they were getting close to the retreating West Street Males, the Split Rock Males even picked up the pace, apparently eager to engage the older lions. But then things changed. Sensing that the Split Rock Males were coming closer, the two West Street Males stopped in their tracks, turned towards the approaching opposition and waited. There was nothing panicky about the West Street Males; all their body language exuded eager anticipation for the imminent confrontation. One of them even lay down and slowly rolled over as if scratching his back before he stood up and, with his companion, advanced upon the Split Rock Males which had be now come to a standstill nearby, uncertain as to why the West Street Males were no longer on the run and were now clearly not the beaten and terrified opposition. As the West Street Males advanced, they roared in unison and this was probably the final straw for the now confused Split Rock Males; they turned and ran. The pursuers were now the pursued. Psychologically it must have been humiliating for the Split Rock Males, lions almost certainly physically more powerful than the West Street Males. But what they have in brawn, the older males have in experience and cunning and this was probably what turned the tide. As far as is known, the West Street Males had no further troubles from the Split Rock Males over this report-period.
One other interesting incident this month, however, was when one of the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride came into season and, in the absence of the West Street Males (still seeing off the Split Rock Males in follow-up operations), mated with the five-year-old Eyrefield Pride Male. When the West Street Males rejoined and the pair was still mating, they failed to chase the young male lion away and let them continue. So, although the West Street Males are really aging fast and peripheral males sense this, they are by no means out of it and are not prepared to go down without a good fight.November 2003 The two West Street Males survived another month and again emerged looking pretty good. They and the five-year-old male lion of the Eyrefield Pride roamed around, proclaiming their territory and hunting with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride. At the very beginning of the report-period, one of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses came into season and was calling for a male lion. Both West Street Males and the young male of the Eyrefield Pride, which at the time had been on their northern border roaring and scent-marking against continued incursions or threats thereof from the Split Rock Males, responded and, led by the young male lion, caught up with the lioness. Interestingly, rather than the young male lion dominating the lioness as happened last month, it was one of the West Street Males. The young male lion was lying close to where the courting pair was resting, his frustration plain to see. Another surprise mating involving one of the West Street Males occurred nearly two weeks later when one of them responded to the old lioness from the Styx Prides need to mate, sought her out and stayed with her for perhaps two days before probably departing when one of the Split Rock Males arrived. This mating demonstrates just how the bodies' demands supersede so many other considerations. The West Street Male lions have, from day one of their reign, tried to dominate the Styx Pride, but have failed on every turn. But now, when one of them needs a mate because her body's chemical messengers are saying so, past animosities are forgotten.
In between these two mating events, one of the West Street Males chased a Split Rock Male away from the carcasses of an adult female buffalo and her calf. The Split Rock Male had killed these animals on NW Mala Mala, an area under the control of the West Street Males and had apparently offered little, if any, resistance when confronted. For most of the month, however, the West Street Males hung out with the lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride and on some occasions, assisting them in bringing down large prey items such as buffaloes. So things look quite good for the West Street Males - at least for the short term. Their biggest concern of course, must be that physically they are reaching their end. With their teeth almost completely ground down to stumps, effective use of food must be very limited and both West Street Males always appear skeletal, their ribs showing very prominently. So, as frustrating as it must be for the Split Rock Males to be resisted by such old lions, all they really need to do is bide their time for just a while longer and eventually they'll have their prize. Mentally, of course, the West Street Males remain in top form and this is perhaps mostly what keeps them alive and from being taken over by expansionist neighbours such as the Split Rock Males.December 2003 If anything, the West Street Male lions didn't have a particularly good month. Not that they were beaten up or starved of food, its just that their general behaviour suggested that they were running from something and that things just weren't as stable as has been in the past. The Split Rock Males, their northern neighbours and challengers, seemed to make major inroads into West Street Male territory and there just wasn't the sort of response from the West Street Males that suggested that they were up to defending their territory against these invaders. The West Street Males continued to spend much time with the Eyrefield Pride, but these lions too behaved in a way that could have indicated some sort of worry as to the ability of their long-term 'guardians', the West Street Males, to protect them. With both Eyrefield Pride lionesses and youngsters spending a great amount of time in the southern limits of their territory and even beyond this, it could very well be viewed as a sign that they're expecting trouble from the north (i.e. Split Rock Males) and that they don't really feel that the West Street Males can defend. So, is this the beginning of the stage of rapid decline for the old West Street Males? They've managed to cling on to power for so long, but, with their bodies now showing clear signs of physical deterioration, the end could finally be near. All Credits goes to MALA MALA West Street Males
2004
January 2004 This month wasn't so good for the West Street Males and they really appear to be on a rapid slide to the end now. There were no sightings of the two together and they seemed to spend, relative to other months, little time with the Eyrefield Pride.
The West Street Male with the injured nose spent much of the time, it seemed, in the south of the reserve and even west of this, in areas really not considered to be their territory. And, whilst he was here, his brother, the male which is missing the tip of one ear, roamed the northern parts. This behaviour of course, was also just what the Split Rock Males needed and they ventured far south and weren't challenged by the West Street Males. One of the striking things about how these male lions are moving around is just how little roaring there has been. With territories being realigned, the advertising of strength would, one expects, be a priority and roaring is one of the best of ways. But it's been quiet. Perhaps the West Street Males just have absolutely no fight left in them and the Split Rock Males sense this and are simply taking their land with little effort.February 2004 February saw the two old West Street Males get back together again and then join up with the Eyrefield Pride once more, this following their separation and extensive solo-wanderings last month. Once they operated with other lions again, they seemed to do quite well and, although they remained lean for most of the time, certainly seemed to be in quite good condition.
The West Street Male which is missing the tip of one of his ears was first seen this month being chased by a large herd of buffaloes that he was trying to stalk and then, a few days later, took over the remains of a buffalo carcass from the lionesses of the Windmill Pride on eastern Flockfield, an area seldom visited by either the West Street Males or the Eyrefield Pride. Thereafter he joined with his brother. Although the northern limits of their territory were 'invaded' by the Split Rock Males at least once, the two old West Street Males weren't seen to respond and one can't but help getting the feeling that they're simply passing the time, staying out of trouble and hoping to survive as long as possible by this process of evasion.March 2004 The West Street Males soldiered on, probably keeping alive by staying almost permanently with the Eyrefield Pride. There were no sightings of these two old male lions on their own this month and encounters were relatively few, suggesting that they probably spent more time to the south and west of their range than has been the case in previous months. This could very well have been due to the continued pressure which these two males have been under from the two Split Rock Males, the male lions from the northern parts which are pushing further and further into West Street Male territory. Strangely enough, the two West Street Males are potentially facing another threat, and that is from their own sons. There are five young male lions now with the Eyrefield Pride, the youngest over two years of age and the oldest over three-years-old. These youngsters are now big solid lions and when meat is on offer, they fight for it and fight with increasing ferocity. At one incident this month, when the two West Street Males were fighting for a share of an impala carcass, the young male lions came pouring in and in the fracas which ensued, the old West Street Males found themselves dislodged and fighting hard for even a small piece of meat! April 2004 Although the two old West Street Males spent a fair amount of time with the Eyrefield Pride this month, they also made a slight break from this routine and headed off on their own, patrolling what is considered their territorial boundaries and following buffaloes. It was on central Charleston that they were first seen together and away from the Eyrefield Pride, this perhaps coinciding with a male lion mating with one of the Windmill Pride lionesses only a few kilometres from where they were lying. Thereafter they moved northwards and joined up with the Eyrefield Pride on the airstrip where they stayed for a few days before being chased off a wildebeest kill by the Split Rock Males.
This incident caused them to vanish for nearly two weeks before reappearing along the Kapen River, alone again and on patrol. Their route took them to eastern Flockfield and the Large Herd of Buffaloes, which they followed for a couple of days before leaving them, apparently without attempting to attack. And this was the last seen of them for the month. At the moment the challenge on them from the two Split Rock Males seems to have receded somewhat, perhaps because the Split Rock Males have been concentrating on other things. But, when they have time on their hands once more, perhaps the West Street Males will again come under greater pressure. May 2004 The two old West Street Males were seen together at the beginning of the May-report-period, then separated and reunited a month later. The West Street Male with the torn nose spent a fair amount of time with the young adult male of the Eyrefield Pride near the southern parts of the reserve, an area in which the Windmill Pride was operating and which has yet to be fully claimed by other male lions following the demise of the Ridge Rocks Males half-a-year-or-so ago. Here the two males, one in the beginning of his prime, the other clearly beyond it, ruled supreme. On one occasion, together with one of the three-and-a-half-year-old males of the Eyrefield Pride, they chased the Windmill Pride from the carcass of an adult waterbuck and claimed it for themselves. This action was almost certainly the catalyst for the Windmill Prides' vacating of the area and moving many kilometres north.
The other West Street Male, the one which is missing the tip of his one ear, spent a great deal more time with lionesses of the Eyrefield Pride, this towards the northern parts of the reserve. The two Split Rock Males, which have been pressurising the West Street Males for many months now, again appeared to pull back and really weren't particularly active in West Street Male territory. One wonders just how much of this West Street Male survival is due to the presence of the young Eyrefield Male as well as the five sub adult males in the pride. All together, they would form something of a protective shield against outside aggression directed primarily towards the ageing West Street Males. July 2004 The two old West Street Males really looked haggard in July, but they are still around! The one with the torn nose seems to have deteriorated in condition faster than his colleague, but both of them are very resilient old campaigners, and may yet surprise us with how long they are going to live. The male lion with the torn nose spent some time in the far south of the reserve, in the company of a sub-adult male of the Eyrefield Pride. A little later in the month, he was back in the north again, now with the other West Street Male and many members of the Eyrefield Pride. The West Street Male with the tip of an ear missing was seen to view a buffalo herd on the airstrip with a great deal more respect than he would have a year ago. August 2004 The old West Street Males have been seen for the last time!
Early in the month, both West Street Males were still alive, and were seen with Eyrefield Pride members in the south of the reserve. Neither of the two old warriors looked as if they had too many weeks of life left in them. One of the West Street Males (the one with the top of an ear missing) disappeared very early in the month, but a report of a very old, sick-looking lion near the reserve's western boundary towards the middle of the month, suggests that this was the lion in question.
Over that same period, the other West Street Male was seen regularly with several Eyrefield Pride members, and fed on two of their buffalo kills. He was not a pretty sight, and had nasty wounds on his head and feet, perhaps inflicted by the Rollercoaster Males while in the south of the reserve. Even when he had eaten many kilograms of buffalo, this West Street Male's ribs and backbone were showing, as much of the flesh on his once magnificent body had wasted away. Even his mane, for many years impressive, was now short and sparse. Yet there was still spirit in his movements and a glint in his eyes, and he was even seen to romp playfully with the young males of the Eyrefield Pride on one occasion. A few days after finishing the second buffalo kill, the West Street Male was found to have split up from his 6 companions of recent days, perhaps too weak to keep up with them. Sabi Sand Wildtuinauthorities adjudged that his condition was such that it would be kindest to put him down, and so this was done just before the end of August. A post mortem showed that his lungs were riddled with bovine tuberculosis, a chronic disease which often leads to steady deterioration in the condition of old lions.
Whatever the fate of the other West Street Male was, it is highly unlikely that he had as easy an exit from life as the male with the torn nose. And so ends another era!
The West Street Males (five of them at the time) took over from the Manyeleti Males in 1998, probably as 8-year old lions, and they gave great stability to the Eyrefield Pride, siring a good many youngsters, of which a healthy number survived. The West Street Males will certainly be long remembered as one of the most successful coalitions of male lions that Mala Mala has seen.All Credits Goes to MALA MALA Skukuza Males
August 2005
Four sub-adult male lions were seen on several occasions, mainly around the central parts of the reserve. These were the same four males believed to have originated from the Skukuza Pride. One of the males has a bad eye and a very bad limp, and battles to keep up with the other three. These four males have in the past clashed with the Eyrefield Males. They seem to be gaining in confidence, and could yet prove to be a major force in the area.
September 2005
Skukuza Males: There were as many as 12 sightings of these four confident young male lions, estimated to be between 4 and 5 years old. At the beginning of the game report period, they fed on a buffalo bull that they had killed, near the northern boundary of the reserve. A few days later, they spent four days with a lioness on Flockfield and Charleston , and one of the males mated with her. One of the males has a bad eye and a serious injury to a hind leg, and he sometimes did not keep up with the pride. The two most recent sightings of the Skukuza Males were of just three lions, the injured one not being seen. Probably the most dramatic sighting involving these lions was the last one of the game report period, when they were seen to chase, catch and temporarily bring down a 3-year old rhino! The rhino, squealing in distress, managed to escape, having seemingly lost a part of its tail to the lions! These 4 lions have not done a great deal of roaring on Mala Mala yet, but they may pose a real threat to some of the more established coalitions.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author October 2005 Only three of the four Skukuza Males were seen during October. They were seen a dozen times, but not at all in the last week of the game report period. Twice they were found on buffalo kills, once near Styx Crossing on the Kapen River and once near Sandy Crossing on south-eastern Toulon . The male with a badly injured leg and a bad eye was not seen at all, and one wonders whether he met an untimely end. This could easily have happened, especially if he was on his own and bumped into the Split Rock Males or some of the Eyrefield Males.[/align] November 2005
A mating pair of lions joined the feeding activity on a buffalo carcass, but were then chased off, along with the other 6 lions, by three sub-adult male lions believed to be the Skukuza Males. The noise was heard by two adult male lions , unrecognised, but believed to have come in from the Kruger Park. These two magnificent male lions chased the other lions from the area, but the Split Rock Males then came running in, roaring, and the two other adult males did not return to the kill site. January 2006
Three sub-adult male lions (Skukuza Males) were seen on five occasions, three of these together with three members of the Windmill pride. Perhaps they are coming of age and have managed to take control of this pride and looking to establish a territory in the area. March 2006
The four Skukuza Males were seen on 2 consecutive days (10/03 and 11/03). On one day all four males were seen together for the first time in many months. All four males were last seen together in September 2005 when one of them was limping badly and was not seen again, even though the other three males were seen occasionally until now. The injured lion was presumed dead. However, it would seem as though he has reappeared and is in good health. The four males lazed in the shade off Zebra Skull South and then moved east along the Charleston Flockfield Boundary. The following day only two of the males were seen moving north on the KNP break from the Charleston Flockfield Boundary roaring occasionally. During the course of the month there were occasional reports of lions roaring on eastern Charleston and eastern Flockfield. Although the roaring lions were never found on these occasions, it is presumed that it was the Skukuza Males roaring. This suggests that they have these areas firmly under their control. With the Eyrefield males seemingly having taken up residency further to the west, there seems to be little competition for this territory. The ageing Split Rock and Rollercoaster coalitions to their north and south respectively may provide an opportunity for them to expand their territory westwards in the future. April 2006 The four Skukuza Males spent a fair amount of time on south-eastern Flockfield and north-eastern Charleston towards the end of the game report period (4 sightings). They appear to be growing in confidence and pushing their territory westwards. There does not appear to be any resistance to their movements and on a few occasions, these lions were heard roaring. However, one of these young males appears to be sick. He is very lethargic and appears to be losing his mane. There have been no sightings of these males with the Windmill Pride and their aggressive response to one of the Windmill lionesses makes one wonder what the relationship really is between these two groups of lions.[/align] May 2006 The Skukuza Males were seen three times on Charleston. The first sighting was of four males who were accompanying two females of the Windmill pride. The remaining two sightings were of only three males, the young male with no mane being absent. This young male had been seen in poor condition during the previous month and his absence could signal his demise. It is not certain where this fourth member even came from in the first place as he does not fit the description of the original fourth member of this coalition who disappeared many months ago. It would seem now that the Skukuza coalition only consists of three males again.[/align] July 2006 The Skukuza Males were not seen during July, but they could certainly have been active on the eastern parts of the property. The Windmill Pride members were not seen either, and with the Skukuza Males being seen in their company it could be that they have spent more time with the females in the Kruger National Park. [/align] August 2006 The Skukuza Males were not seen during August, but they could certainly have been active on the eastern parts of the property. The Windmill Pride members were not seen either, and this could account for their absence on the property. September / October 2006 The Skukuza Males were not seen during September/ October, but they could certainly have been active on the eastern parts of the property. November 2006 The Skukuza Males were seen only twice during the game report period, on consecutive days. They spent two days close to the Sand River in the southern parts of the reserve, and then moved eastwards towards the KNP, and were not seen again. December 2006 The Skukuza Males were seen several times on Toulon and the very southern part of Charleston. The best sighting of these lions occurred when all three male lions were seen feeding on the carcass of an adult zebra, just east of the Sand River, not far from Charleston River Rocks. Photograph taken by ranger Anthony Harding  *This image is copyright of its original author At one stage, one of the male lions left the carcass and went to drink at the river. As he reached the river, he chanced upon some old male buffaloes in the reeds. They initially took fright and ran, but then realised that the lion was on his own, and then chased him through the watercourse. The same lions were also seen feeding on a Waterbuck on the northern bank of the Sand River, close to Island Crossing. Windmill Pride
Information gathered from Mala Mala, Elephant Plains, Nkorho, Djuma and Africam. The Windmill Pride is fairly new to the Nkorho/Elephant Plains/Djuma area. They originated from Central Eastern Mala Mala near the Kruger border in an area known as Windmill. Due to their close proximity to Kruger, they have often disappeared into the Kruger National Park for many months at a time. This pride has been followed by Mala Mala since 2000 when they started keeping the history updates on the lion prides seen on their reserve. The Windmill pride was a very large pride in early 2000 numbering 17 to 18. The pride consisted of 8 adult lionesses, 3 sub adults, 6 cubs ranging in age of 8 to 13 months in age and accompanying them was a 4-5 yr old male. Exact status and make up of the pride was not possible due to extremely wet conditions and flooding in the area at the time. Over the years, their numbers varied with births, deaths, and the disappearances of various members both adults and cubs alike. The pride often would split up into separate cores making it even more difficult to keep tabs on the wellbeing of the pride and the number of their members. The Windmill Pride mainly were under the dominance of the three Ridge Rock Males during 2002/2003. The four Skukuza Males became the dominant males for the pride in 2005 With the death of one male, the other three continued to dominate the Windmills right up until they disappeared once again into Kruger during 2006. In mid 2006, when the pride again disappeared into Kruger, sightings included only 4 to 6 lionesses though it was thought the pride still consisted of 8. The two youngest listed as an adult approximately 4 years 7 months and a sub adult approximately 3 yrs 8 mos, the other adults ages were unknown. Around this same time frame, two lionesses were thought to have recently given birth and that would have explained their separation from the pride. Towards the end of February of 2007, the pride reappeared once again in Mala Mala and consisted of 7 lionesses. They again returned to Kruger and were not seen for many months. In December 2007, 3 adult lionesses and 5 cubs made a surprise appearance again in Mala Mala. The approximate age of the cubs were 2 males 1 yr 6 mos, 2 females 1 yr 6 mos and 1 male 1 yr 3 mos. The most recent reappearance of this pride was in January 2009. Recent sightings consists of 2 to 3 adult lionesses and 5 sub adults. The sub adults would have been born around the time of the mid 2006 disappearance and thus would have been sired by the Skukuza Males whose disappearance from the area seemed to coincide with that of the Windmill Pride. Known sightings of this pride in the recent months include Mala Mala, Nkorho, Elephant Plains and Djuma. They were sighted in Djuma on Weaver's Nest Road on April 27th 2009. First they were thought to be the Nkuhuma Pride but it was determined they were indeed the Windmill Pride. A few days after this sighting, they were found on a Buffalo kill in Mala Mala near the Kruger border. They remained on the kill for several days and had an Impala kill also. Looking forward to seeing and learning more of this awesome pride. Approximate ages for the Pride for April 2009: 3 Adult Lionesses - Ages Unknown 2 Sub Adult Males 2 years 10 months 2 Sub Adult Females 2 years 10 months 1 Sub Adult Male 2 years 7 months Due to the infrequency of this pride returning to Mala Mala over the last few years, the age of the sub adults is only an estimate. May 2009 
Hilda's Rock Male and 2 Charleston sub-adult males
Photo by:Tricia Dowhan Photo Taken:2016  *This image is copyright of its original author
CLARENDON PRIDE
Old Mala Mala Sightings From 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005
2001
October 2001
Four lions - 3 lionesses and a young male - with a fairly nervous disposition were seen just inside the Kruger National Park close to the north-eastern corner of Mala Mala and almost certainly a family which spends most of its time in this national park. 5 lionesses: There were three sightings of this pride, all towards the upper reaches of the Matshapiri River. Two of the sightings were of all five together, the other and first sighting of only three of the members. The lionesses were not in the least concerned by vehicles and were almost certainly from areas to the north of Mala Mala. The abundance of game on the green grass of these recently burned areas no doubt tempted them to leave their usual haunts and enter this region. One of the lionesses had a badly injured front leg, perhaps even broken, and the other members of the pride appeared to be waiting for her. Another of the lionesses was easily distinguishable by a very corkscrewed tail, the twist occurring halfway along the length. A blind eye and other scars further characterised this group. The last encounter with them had all five in the middle of a large open area and surrounded by zebra. Whilst the younger members were tempted from time to time to stalk towards the zebras, the older more experienced lionesses remained seemingly oblivious of their presence. Such a scenario must be the height of frustration for lions - food so close and plentiful, but completely inaccessible! November 2001 4 lions, 1 sub adult male & 3 lionesses, and 2 lionesses: These 6 lions were seen on Eyrefield and it is thought that they belong to the group of five lionesses seen last month on the northeastern parts of Mala Mala. The young male may have been part of the above-mentioned coalition of four. They were not seen together as a pride of five lionesses. The 2 lionesses, one of them very old with canines worn to mere stumps, were found at a buffalo carcass which had probably been killed by the Styx Pride. For some reason the Styx Pride abandoned it to them, this in spite of the kill being squarely in land considered prime Styx Pride territory. At the same time and not many kilometres away were the other three lionesses of the pride, accompanied by a young male and eyeing out the large herd of buffalo. The following day these four lions, together with one of the West Street Males and two of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses, were sharing the carcass of an adult male buffalo. It is thought that the four lions had killed the buffalo and had later been joined by the other three. The following day the only lions in the area were the three West Street Males; even the Eyrefield lionesses had fled. 2002
January 2002 As far as is known, the coalition of 4 male lions seen in the northern areas of Mala Mala have not made contact with any members of the Styx Pride and seem to have concentrated their attentions on the old Emsagwen lioness and a family of at least five lionesses which seems to be spending more and more time in this area too. One of the lionesses of this pride has a noticeably kink in her tail. Some of these lionesses were seen mating with the two most dominant members of the '4' towards the beginning of the game-report-period. The male lions involved in the mating - the older male and one of the younger ones - appeared slightly unsure of how to go about things when they were approached by the lionesses. This was probably the cause of the some of the aggression which the lionesses then directed at them whilst mating and soliciting. The two males of the coalition which did not have any females to mate with - number 3 and 4 in the hierarchy of the male group - slept whilst all of this was going on. February 2002 The six lionesses seen with the one male lion of the '4' were from the pride which has been seen with ever-increasing regularity towards the northeastern parts of the reserve. They are an easily recognisable group with one lioness having an almost knotted tail, the one missing a tail tip, one with a blind left eye and one with great scars around her neck and chest region. They were seen together as a pride of six only once this month, this when they killed the buffalo calf. On other occasions, two of them spent much time following buffalo with three of the four male lions which frequent the northeastern parts of Mala Mala. The decision to stay with these males proved painful because although at least one buffalo calf was killed, the lionesses probably had next to nothing to eat as the male lions totally dominated. It is almost certain that several of these lionesses have mated with some of these male lions. But in terms of territory, the movements of these lionesses remain fluid. Will they become a permanent feature of the northeastern parts of Mala Mala or will they prove to be a transitory pride which will 'go home' when their cubs are born or the local food supply changes? Their presence in the western parts of Mala Mala this month must have caused the Styx Pride some sleepless moments, but fortunately the stay proved short. March 2002 CLARENDON PRIDE = 7 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: EYREFIELD The Clarendon Pride is the family of lions which has been seen more and more frequently over the past half year to the north and northeast of the reserve, encroaching on areas up until now relatively under-utilised and sometimes patrolled by the Styx Pride, Windmill Pride (of late) and the Emsagwen Pride lioness. The Emsagwen Pride lioness should in fact have a niche right in the middle of the area worked by the Clarendon Pride. It will be interesting to see how she copes. The three male lions (there were four at one stage when they first made an appearance in the area) associated with them are known as the Split Rock Males. Several of the lionesses of the Clarendon Pride have some very recognisable features and two of the females appear to be very old with lower canines worn down almost to stumps. One of these old lionesses is missing the tip of her tail and also the tip of her right ear. One of the younger lionesses has a corkscrew twist midway along her tail and another has massive scarring around her chest area. The young male lion with them is approximately three or four years of age and perhaps a brother to the younger lionesses of the family. His standing in the group is tenuous; the Split Rock Males have beaten him up several times and the lionesses are treating him with increasing hostility. The time is coming for this young male to head off on his own. The Clarendon Pride was the family which, together with one of the Split Rock Males, killed a young buffalo deep inside Styx Pride territory last month. But by and large the Clarendon Pride seems to be staying to the east of the areas currently worked by the Styx Pride. During March the Clarendon Pride spent much time following the large herd of buffalo and seemed to meet with only some success. They were seen with an adult female buffalo kill in mid-march, but then the buffalo appeared to keep ahead of them and although the lions seemed keen, they failed to penetrate the defences of these large grazers. On one occasion when they and all three of the Split Rock Males had been left eyeing out the buffalo which subsequently left them behind, one of the older lionesses detected something in the nearby bushline, either a smell or a noise, and immediately headed that way. The object of her attention turned out to be the half-eaten carcass of an adult female impala, probably killed the night before by a leopard. The leopard had by this stage abandoned the area and the lions pounced. But one of the Split Rock Males was just too quick and dominated the feeding, leaving the old lioness to grit her teeth. The two older lionesses of this group seem to have reached that tragic stage when they simply cannot keep up and so are not always in time to wrestle their ways into a small kill. If small kills are the most frequent of the lions' meals, then the poor condition of these old females will only get poorer. But if they can kill large buffalo or zebra or some other such big creatures on a regular basis, then they may not deteriorate as fast. April 2002 CLARENDON PRIDE = 7 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: EYREFIELD/ NORTHERN MALA MALA The Clarendon Pride delivered a fine month of viewing, starting things when they were found with a freshly killed male buffalo. Whilst they were feeding from it, a herd of elephants appeared and for nearly an hour tried to chase the lions from the carcass. Most of the lionesses, including the larger of the Split Rock Males which seemed to spend much of the month with these lionesses, retreated when the elephants advanced. Only the two old lionesses of the pride bravely stood their ground, at times snarling at elephants only meters off them. But in the end the elephants moved off and the lions had three days of full bellies before heading south, following the large herd of buffalo deep into Styx Pride territory. Here things went wrong for them. Accompanied by the same large Split Rock Male, they were distracted from the buffalo by the arrival of the young male which is seen so often with them and may be the brother of the younger lionesses of the Clarendon Pride. The Split Rock Male did nothing to hide his aggression towards this sub adult male and the lions then had their efforts directed at the buffalo distracted by this interaction. Eventually the pride split up with two of the younger lionesses following the now rapidly moving buffalo and the rest lying around waiting for social problems to be ironed out. Then, to complicate matters, two of the old West Street Males, which the Split Rock Males routed last November, appeared on the scene. This time they were in their territory and the Clarendon Pride and Split Rock Male were 'invaders' and so at a psychological disadvantage. No interaction was seen at that stage and all lions were left lying 100 meters apart. Whilst they were lying here, a female buffalo with a newly born and just tottering calf bypassed them by only 50 or so meters, but the lions failed to detect them. The following morning, lions were all over the place, two of the Clarendon Pride far away and moving away, one other lioness with a bulging belly looking for others (she had probably caught a young buffalo and eaten it all by herself), and two of the lionesses, the large Split Rock Male and the young male watching the large herd of buffalo a couple of kilometres from where all of the lions had been left the previous evening. And only a few hundred meters from these lions were the two West Street Males - watching the buffalo and the other lions, but hidden in some thickets. When the large herd of buffalo moved off, again rapidly with intentions no doubt of getting out of the area, the lions did not follow. Later on a lone buffalo bull walked right amongst the four lions, but the only one to show any interest was the young lioness with the corkscrew tail. She came within mere meters of the buffalo before he saw her and after initially taking fright, came back at her and chased her off. The other lions watched this show with only mild curiosity - such no doubt is their respect for the lone buffalo bull. But things were to change. That afternoon, the Split Rock Male and the trio from the Clarendon Pride (young male included) were on the freshly killed carcass of an adult female buffalo, perhaps the same one which had bypassed them with the newborn calf the previous night. A dead buffalo calf was also in the area. As the lions were feeding, the two West Street Males emerged and headed their way and in a matter of minutes had the lone Split Rock Male on the run, chasing him far up the Matshapiri River before they halted and returned to the carcass of the buffalo where the other three lions were now feeding. Since this trio of lions seemed to show great subservience towards the West Street Males, they were left well alone and all lions stayed in the area for the next 24 hours until the Split Rock Male returned. This time the West Street Males did not even try anything; they fled. The single Split Rock Male walked towards them, stiff-legged and holding his head high with his mane standing up. The West Street Males ran. The next big event for some of the Clarendon Pride happened not long after this when some of them and one of the other Split Rock Males again harassed the buffalo, eventually that evening finding an apparently abandoned buffalo calf. Then, a couple of weeks later, three of the lionesses and the young male of the pride killed an old buffalo cow along the upper reaches of the Mlowathi River, an area more Styx Prides' than theirs. The Styx Pride arrived on the scene and chased the Clarendon Pride off, before themselves being chased off by the three Split Rock Males. In the process the Styx Pride lost two of their cubs. Then, towards the end of the month, the Clarendon Pride and all three of the Split Rock Males were found close to the northeastern parts of the reserve with the carcasses of three buffalo, two cows and a calf. So certainly a dramatic month for the Clarendon Pride. The Split Rock Males, particularly the largest of the trio, were often with the lionesses. It is not known whether any of the pride members are pregnant or not. May 2002 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: NE EYREFIELD/ NORTHERN MALA MALA Compared with Aprils viewing, the lionesses of the Clarendon Pride hardly put on an appearance this month, being seen only a few times and never together. Could it be that they have cubs, fathered by the Split Rock Males, and that these youngsters, at a stage of immobility, are keeping them from wandering far and wide? June 2002 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: NE EYREFIELD Little was seen of the Clarendon Pride and the Split Rock Males during June. This may perhaps be a consequence of either the developing dry-season conditions and the influence which this has upon prey animal movements. Alternatively, some of the Clarendon Pride may have cubs and the demands of these small youngsters may well restrict the movements of the pride. July 2002 CLARENDON PRIDE = 7 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: NE EYREFIELD There were no sightings of the Clarendon Pride this month, perhaps due to prey animal movements and/ or cubs keeping them area-restricted to the north of Mala Mala. August - December 2002 CLARENDON PRIDE = 7 6 ADULT LIONESSES 1 SUB ADULT MALE Location: NE EYREFIELD There were no confirmed sightings of these lions this month. 2003
January 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD Five of the lionesses of the Clarendon Pride were seen this month, together with the three Split Rock Males. The lions were towards the northeastern corner of the reserve and all were looking very thin. This has been the first sighting of any members of this family in many months. When last seen there were six lionesses, but one of the older ones could well have died over the last half-year. The area in which the Clarendon Pride lives is currently very dry and has had little rain this year and as a result game seems to be very scarce. Last year when the Clarendon Pride was seen regularly, also in this same area, they were constantly after buffaloes and other large items of prey which were then very plentiful. Time will tell as to whether these lions will stay put or head out and search for food in other areas. February 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD The single sighting of the Clarendon Pride was at the very beginning of this game report period. They were with the three Split Rock Males, lying around one of the last productive waterholes in the area. Although the lions had full stomachs on this occasion, they had no flesh on their bones and were in poor condition. With little water and food in their area, game must be scarce and these lions cannot be having a good time. What a difference from this time last year when two big groups of buffaloes were almost camping in their territory and these lions were regularly making kills. March 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD No members of this family were seen this month. April 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD Only two or three lionesses of the Clarendon Pride were seen this month, and all within a few days of one another around the carcass of a dead rhino. This rhino had apparently been killed in a fight with another and presented the lions with a fine feast. Amongst the lionesses was the one with the 'corkscrew' tail. Accompanying them were two of the Split Rock Males. May - June 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD There were no encounters with the Clarendon Pride this month. July 2003 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD There was but a single sighting of this pride over this report-period, when all five lionesses were seen devouring an adult male warthog near the northeastern parts of Mala Mala. A large male leopard, the Newington Male, which has a history of tangling with warthogs, was watching them from the safety of a nearby tree. Chances are good that he was the catcher of the warthog and that the lions had stolen it from him. 2004
August 2003 - March 2004
CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD No sightings of this pride this month April 2004 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD Three lionesses of the Clarendon Pride were seen this month, all quite young members of the Pride and including the female with the twisted tail. At least one of them appeared to be lactating, but since they mostly spent their time sleeping in long grass, this wasn't very clear. The lionesses were accompanied by a male lion, apparently not one of the Split Rock Males, the coalition which at one stage is thought to have controlled them. May/ June/ July / August / September / October / November / December 2004 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD No sightings 2005
January / February / March / April 2005
CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES Location: NE EYREFIELD No sightings May 2005 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES No sightings of any of these lionesses on Mala Mala for a few months. June 2005 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES For the first time in many months, members of the Clarendon Pride were seen. Three lionesses pitched up in the vicinity of Clarendon Dam, where there have been large numbers of zebra of late. One of them was an easily recognisable old lioness, light in colour and with a bad eye and a mangled ear. The other two lionesses seen with her appeared young and healthy. These lionesses were seen twice in successive days. On the first day, they were hunting around mid-morning, but they were seen by some zebra, and were not seen to catch anything. The next day, the lionesses appeared well fed, but one of them had a number of porcupine quills embedded in her face and chest. July 2005 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES After making a couple of appearances in the vicinity of Clarendon Dam in June, the Clarendon Pride lionesses were not seen at all on Mala Mala in July. August / September / October 2005 CLARENDON PRIDE = 5 5 ADULT LIONESSES No sightings in August. |
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