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.
(01-06-2019, 11:08 PM)jordi6927 Wrote: Can anyone guess as to why the Tsalala males still havent taken over a pride yet?
I don't think they got the chance to dominate a pride and in any event they were too young and in-experienced to hold on to one. In their most recent altercation they were chased out by the two Avocas in the south. That was six months ago and I think now they can mount a serious challenge. They still don't stand a chance against B-Boys or even the Charleston's but may be they can challenge an older or smaller coalition. I do hope that for the sake of genetic diversity they stay out of SS.
I honestly didnt even take into account genetic diversity ... but I guess it might be best for them to move out a little ... they seem to be successful hunters / scavengers so I dont think they will have a problem finding food and gaining more size to push around ... I think they get stressed out with all the traveling they do ... hopefully they will settle down in a place with a pride or two where we can occasionally get some photos of them.
Given the geography of this particular section (or of any cul-de-sac) there is a strong possibility of a genetic bottle neck or sub-prime situations developing. Right now we have very old males in Matimbas and before that the Majings in the West who have a hard time hunting and end up taking resources away from cubs and the pride. I saw some reports of the older Othawa cubs dying from starvation. On the other hand, we have a very young and immature male in Othawa who won't be able to protect the cubs should any threat materialize. I am not sure how common this is/was but this looks untenable in the long run. It would probably be better if a new and unrelated coalition made it's way to the West though geography makes that hard.
The older othawa cubs died because they were lost for 5 weeks ... not because there was a lack of resources. There is also no possibility of a genetic bottle neck because lions come and lions go. At some point there will be a strong group of males to come in and take over this area ensuring that new blood is introduced. I think this area and the Othawa's will be fine