Lions of Sabi Sands

[Matimbalani]

(08-03-2018, 09:21 PM)Peteporker Wrote:

(08-03-2018, 05:21 AM)jordi6927 Wrote:

(08-03-2018, 03:35 AM)Peteporker Wrote: Kirkman's Kamp

The Avoca Males are back!

After a lengthy absence, these lions made a return to Kirkman’s after having spent the bulk of their time in what we assume to be the Kruger. Their roaring could be heard throughout the north eastern parts of our concession, aptly announcing their return.

*This image is copyright of its original author

I sure wish they had one more brother in their coalition.

Agree. Their younger brothers to the north seem to be doing really well for themselves as a 3 member coalition. They control the buffleshoek area are mating with the Talamati pride. They will complete the take over of that pride in a few months when cubs are born. They gave the matimba hair belly and scorro a really good beating and have fought with the Bboys. Also, in the fight with the Bboys, I personally think that they came out on top as they are still venturing into the Djuma area in nothern sabi sands with the Bboys not wanting to defend that territory after they fought.  They are still very young and not even in their prime so in a few years they can easily take over many prides in the Manyenleti (Mbiri/Nahru, etc. as the Avoca/Giraffe males are getting old and/or they can take over prides in the northern sabi sands that the Bboys abandoned.  

Unfortunately, the southern Avocas only seem to have the eyrefield pride (2 lioness) that they've mated for a long time but still no cubs. Lion Sands reported that one of the Avoca was limping when they returned to sabi sands from the KNP possible due to the encounter with the charleston males. There's a video of this male in their facebook page that I can't seem to insert here.

I think both sets of brothers just need some time to mature. If they run into a coalition in their prime they probably will come out with the shorter end of the stick. If I recall correctly one of the Northern Avocas was separated from his brothers after the encounter with the B-Boys and that would be unlikely unless they had to run. 

They can handle lone lions pretty well. The northern brothers fought Hairy Belly while Ginger was limping at the time and couldn't keep up. The Southern Avocas chased the healthy Matshapiri around for a while too. In general, I think the Southern Avocas are in a much more dangerous neighborhood than the northern boys with Charleston and Mantis popping up in Kirkman's camp. The north is a vacuum and it would get interesting if a dominant coalition popped out of Kruger and moved there. Reply