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.
(09-12-2023, 03:42 AM)Cath2020 Wrote: It's not about who has the most visible injuries. Injuries could be even more serious that are not even visible....such as internal bleeding, extensive bruising, limbs injured (which is worse than a gash to the head for lions reliant on hunting and strength/speed).
There is also the matter that RR, if he was defending and not invading, has more to lose than a lion who's invading his territory. A lion will have much more motivation to protect his pride and keep his pride status than another invading solo male who just wants more territory and extra females.
And we all did not see any footage of the fight between the two, unlike with RR and Mandevu. We clearly saw what happened and which lion got the real upper hand, and again, RR was defending his goods and status as king of his pride, whereas Mandevu was just exploring, pushing the boundaries of what he's capable...and only 1 vs. 1. His brothers were not in a position to back him up....maybe Ncile is now.
As I see it, a lone lion, head of his pride, should be able to defend his pride 1 vs. 1 at the very least, or else he does not deserve to keep that position. So far, so good for him as he's still in fit condition.
I doubt either S8 or RRM had invaded trying to takeover, both are solo males and control prides, makes no sense to seek out another pride and additional territory unless it’s vacated from the previous males. In hind sight tho, it wouldn’t matter and the territorial male would have treated it like a takeover attempt.
Heard Ncila is now the dominant male of the coalition albeit this was determined shortly after Mandevu fight with RRM, could have still been nursing his injuries and Ncila could have very well taken advantage.