Lions of Sabi Sands

[Timbavati]

(10-31-2020, 06:10 AM)BA0701 Wrote:

(10-31-2020, 05:38 AM)Potato Wrote: Also yet about Southern Avocas, I remember Sabi Sabi in one of their blogs stated that they think Tsalala male are bigger then them. I am not sure how accurate is that, althrough even if they are roughly same size or a bit bigger than Tsalalas, still should be smaller than De Laportes. Hildas Rock male should look huge in comparison to Southern Avocas. 

I do not think currenly we have in Sabi Sands really big lion, maybe beside Dark Mane Avoca. Nhanha should be clearly over avarage size lion, but deffinitelly not among largest lions ever seen in Sabi Sands.

Makhulu was an exceptionally large male, as well. No idea how he would compare to Nhenha, and there isn't any photos or video of Mapogos interaction with the Matimbas, in order to compare. I don't believe he was ever weighed during one of the dartings by Willem Botha, but he was visibly larger than the other Mapogos, both thickness and height. That would be really helpful if they did weigh any of these animals while having them under sedation, but I am not aware of them having ever done that. Do you have a belief on who might have been among the largest in SS history, or was your comment made in more general terms, like saying you're sure there have been bigger at some point?

Great theme to talk.
@BA0701
I have found an old comment on Londolozi blog about Mak weight that has been answered by Richard Laburn

Question by member: AL (5th September 2010 at 18:28)
 Richard,

Hey thanks a ton for the info. Didn’t expect it so soon. I unexpectedly came across this whole story of the Mapogos of Londolozi watching a YouTube video of John Varty sneaking up on a resting male lion. He gave a bit of introduction about the cat, I typed it in Google and was instantly introduced to a world of awe and violence as I have never researched lions like this before.

The Makulu Mapogo intrigues me like nothing else. He seems larger than most lions. Any specifics about his size and weight – estimate? Also, what about the other three lions, with the exception of Mr_t/SATAN? How are they holding on especially their physical conditions? I’d be overjoyed to see recent pics if any.

Once again, much appreciation for such a swift and well put response.
Regards
Al

Rich Laburn answer: Al, glad you found the information interesting. I know the video that you are talking about with JV sneaking up on the resting male. ?

As mentioned in the previous comment, I know nothing about the wellbeing of the Makulu male, however the following links will be helpful to you in furthering your research. You can try Rob the Ranger here: http://www.facebook.com/robtheranger or try Idube blog here http://idubelodge.blogspot.com/. There is also the Wildearth community to discuss Mapogo information, find them here: http://idubelodge.blogspot.com/. There should be people there who will be able to give you estimations of his size, weight, etc. BUt off the top of my head, you’re looking at 200 – 240 kg. Anything over 250kg is a very big male lion.
You will also be able to find recent pics of them on these resources. If they venture onto Londolozi anytime soon, I will definitely put some pics and video up.

At present we have the Majingilane moving throughout much of our central and northern areas. It will be worth understanding a following this coalition of males as well. They will certainly play their part in Sabi Sands history. You can find more resources on them here: http://blog.londolozi.com/2010/08/lion-w...te-part-4/

Please let me know how it goes and continue to contribute to the blog with your questions, thoughts and discussion. It is great to be able to provide answers to you and everybody else who is reading this.

Rich

Here the full blog: https://blog.londolozi.com/2010/08/19/li...te-part-4/ Reply