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.
Lions have been a highlight for us this month, with a number of prides present at the same time during the middle of the month. The Mhangeni Pride, Styx Pride, Othawa Pride and Matimba male lion have been on our property in different areas. We have also had the Nkuhuma Pride make a few appearances north of the river.
The Mhangeni Pride were sighted in the south on a blue wildebeest kill. This was quite a sight as it brought many different scavengers, more than we would normally see. This included both black-backed and side-striped jackals, spotted hyenas and a number of vulture species: white-headed vultures, white-backed vultures and hooded vultures.
The Othawa Pride prefer the northern part of the property, however during this month we tracked them to the central parts where they were seen hunting impala.
With only four females and one sub-adult male now making up the Styx Pride, these lions are still a formidable force. The pride killed a female kudu which drew the attention of a local clan of hyenas resulting in an intense standoff between both species.
The sound of a male lion roaring at dusk is an intense and dramatic audio to hear. We watched the Matimba male lion vocalising hoping to get a response from the Othawa Pride.