There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
The fall of a King!
Rest in peace ScarFace of the Bayala male Coalition in the Pinda Private Game Reserve.
Around 10 days ago the two dominant male lions from the south of @andbeyondphinda pushed into the territory of the males of the north. The two coalitions collided and the intruders managed to separate the two northern males. Chaos erupted as the interlopers pursued one of their northern rivals deep into the woodlands of the far north. Eventually they grew tired and lay down to rest, leaving the pursued lion to flee into the marshes. That night they tried to press home their advantage when they encountered the second male. They chased him in the same direction as they had chased his brother earlier and then they were lost heading into the marshy grassland. Over the week that followed we saw both of the males from the north - one sporting a swollen and weeping eye, and one with an injured front paw and claw marks across his face. We only saw one of the males from the south though. Back in his territory he too wore scars of the battle - a puncture mark behind one eye and a gash next to the other. We could not find his brother though and after a lot of searching his decomposing body was discovered yesterday under a scented pod thorn tree...
As sad as it is to stand next to the body of what was once a magnificent, black-maned lion, it is comforting to know that he died at the “hands” of other lions and that his bloodline lives on in the offspring he has fathered?
Photos By Grant Rattray Matt Durell
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
With the two males who faced the Bayala males and came out victorious!
The two North/Mnqobokazi males
By Tane Sinclair-Taylor Matthew van Wieringen
*This image is copyright of its original author
*This image is copyright of its original author
The decomposing body of the Bayala male Scarface, you can see that his spine was broken!
Photos by Matthew van Wieringen Damen Pheiffer