Lions in South-Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia

[lionuk]

Very sad news from Phinda Game Reserve is that there is death of another male lion:

One of the two impressive Bayala males has been killed at Phinda.

The two males, that are in control of the Bayala pride and the Mountain pride, were seen heading to the North to chase and confront the two rival North/Mnqobokazi male lions 10 days ago. They managed to separate the North males, chasing both of them. During the night however the tables turned and the scarfaced Bayala male seen in this picture was killed in the confrontation. All three surviving male lions were seen with injuries. Claw marks, different puncture wounds, swollen eyes and one of them with an injured front paw.

Born at Marataba within the Marakele National Park the two Bayala males were introduced to the reserve in 2018 together with the two North/Mnqobokazi males. Since there’s a lot of wrong information circulating regarding their age we can at least shed a light here. With now 6 years of age they’re approximately one year younger than their rivals in the North. Despite that young age they were physically fully developed and hitting their prime, thus they were on par with the North/Mnqobokazi males. They took a gamble by going for an open confrontation and sadly paid the price.
The Bayala males currently have a total of 16 cubs in both prides. The death of one of the brothers means no good news for the survival chance of their offspring. We can only hope for the best.

Especially the scarfaced Bayala male was a real treat for the eyes. He was huge, healthy and sporting an impressive dark mane that easily made people believe he was older than he actually was. Many people enjoyed his sightings, not only on the ground at Phinda but also when WildEarth broadcasted their live-safaris. He will surely be missed.

Farewell, big man!
May 2021

Phinda Private Game Reserve

*This image is copyright of its original author

Photo credit: Matt Durell

*This image is copyright of its original author

Pictured in 2019, before his eye injury. 
Photo credit: Brendon White

*This image is copyright of its original author

The decomposed body of dead Scarface Bayala Male that was found yesterday. 
Photo credit: Damen Pheiffer

*This image is copyright of its original author

His sole surviving brother who has to defend the Bayala Pride and Mountain Pride on his own now. I wish him the very best with that. 
Photo credit: VW WildlifePhotography Reply