Lions of Sabi Sands

[Ngonya]

(04-12-2025, 02:29 AM)KM600 Wrote: It’s different with Kambulas as they have the numbers, and still get bullied by duos, when it’s seemingly clear they want to be dominant males in the north. 

Yeah its not like the Kambulas are leaving and coming back north for the sake of being nomads. They just leave bc they are overpowered everytime a confident coalition gets into play. 
The four of them are lucky to still be alive, just like most lions that reach adulthood and, a life filled with difficulties. So far, they in particular have been living in luck for a year or so. Being beaten and chased around, not being able to stand their ground if not against solitary males, females or sub adults. If that is thriving, what can i say.
They surely are alive, looking like impressive and healthy males, there is plenty of success in that, the fact is they just didnt take over a territory yet bc they lack the strenght for it. 

(04-12-2025, 11:08 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote: And this is normal behavior for pretty much all males who have those opportunities, with countless examples, which suggest that for male lions mating opportunities > protecting offspring.

Males who are seemingly "good fathers" and protectors, staying with pride for long time so their offspring matures, are ones who dont have other opportunities. For example, RRM would not be with Nharus for 6 years if he has other opportunities, but as lone male, his opportunities are limited.

well noted. The strongest coalitions will always expand big territories and look for mating opportunities simply bc they can. And nomads can surely get their shot at mating, quite frequently actually.

Kambulas are different, they havent settled anywhere bc they couldnt do it. Their half brother Nk lived the life as a nomad bc thats the life he can live, solo but partnering with unrelated males, never a big or confident enough coalition to take on bigger fish. Althought Fiercer males have proved that being solitary doesn't necessarily make you a eternal nomad. But that depends on the circunstances the male lives in... His surroudings and life. Nk had it really tough since a young age. It can make some lions stronger, and it can kill others. He surely got stronger from it, but not as confident really. Yet a good hunter, healthy and big male. 
Kambulas have the potential, but lack the strenght and fierce. Their only male that tried hard to become dominant now permanently damaged on his back leg, and blind on one of his eyes. Althought looking fine thats some irreparable damage, a high yet unnecessary price to pay for the weakness of this coalition. 
People were already thinking of them as territorial over Imbali pride back in 2024. Then all of a sudden Mantimahle males started being seen with Imbali and Kambulas came back to Sabi Sand, not being seen with Imbalis afterwards. Pretty much the same happened multiple times with Nkuhuma pride, but they keep coming back and trying to settle, yet failing.
Its not like they are those big tough lions going anywhere they want being confident enough to look for mating opportunities wherever they want... Pretty much the opposite. Reply