Lions of Sabi Sands

[fursan syed]

Split Rock Males

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2004

January 2004

The Split Rock Males continued to press south into the reserve and there was one sighting of them on western Flockfield, this about as far south and west as they've been seen.  Their old adversaries, the West Street Males, appear to have almost given up and weren't seen to confront the invaders, which themselves simply put on a presence without much roaring and other fanfare.  If things carry on this way, then the two surviving West Street Males appear to be going out with a whimper rather than a bang and it'll be plain sailing for the Split Rock Males.  Just how they'll get on with the Eyrefield Pride, however, waits to be seen.  Also, if the Split Rock Males don't watch out and find themselves paying too much attention to the acquisition of new lands and prides to their south, they'll be invaded themselves. 
This month, two young male lions, looking confident and ready to take charge, eased in from the north and east and the Split Rock Males weren't seen to respond to them.  One of these male lions is larger than the other, with a big dark mane, and both, when first seen near northeastern Eyrefield, were a little suspicious of landrovers.  They spent several days in this area, eating a young buffalo which they had killed.  Then, two weeks later, in the centre of the reserve, they confronted the Styx Pride lionesses, a pride which over the last year has just fallen under the control of the Split Rock Males.  Five of the six lionesses initially ran from the males, whilst the oldest went up to inspect them before also turning to run, pursued by the roaring males. Then, a week later, these two males were found close to where the Styx Pride, together with their 7 young cubs, had just been seen eating an adult male kudu.  Footprints suggested that there simply must have been some interaction amongst the lions.  But again, no apparent response from the Split Rock Males!  If these male lions get too confident and continue to shadow the Styx Pride, the next step will be for them to kill the cubs and acquire the land and the lionesses for themselves.  Interesting times ahead for the lions, both males and females, as this shuffling of borders and masters takes place!

February 2004

The Split Rock Males were seen several times this month, mostly towards the northern parts of the reserve.  The furthest south that they were seen was once when they took on the large herd of buffaloes at the confluence of the Matshapiri and Sand Rivers.   But the buffaloes were strong and the best that the lions could achieve was to jump onto the back of an old bull which happened to be lagging behind the others.  The bull simply shrugged the lions off and left them wondering why they'd even made the effort. 
At the very beginning of the report-period, the largest of the Split Rock Males was seen mating with a lioness, thought to have been one of the Eyrefield Pride lionesses.  The second Split Rock Male was resting nearby, no doubt hoping to get at least some chance.  This mating continued for two days.  However, whilst this was taking place, one of the Styx Pride lionesses was mating with one of two new male lions which have been making their presence felt in the north and eastern areas of the reserve, regions thought to have been under the control of the Split Rock Males.  So, whilst the Split Rock Males were away looking to dominate new prides, they were missing out on what was happening in their own back yard!  If they're not careful, their desire to kick out the West Street Males and dominate the Eyrefield Pride will backfire and they'll be the losers.  Fortunately this mating wasn't successful and the same Styx Pride lioness was again mating later on in the month, this time with the larger of the Split Rock Males. 
One interesting incident which involved both the Split Rock Males and the Styx Pride took place towards the beginning of the month and coincided with the oldest of the Styx Pride lionesses approaching term after mating with one of the West Street Males (again, in the absence of the Split Rock Males) three-and-a-half-months ago.  Some of the lionesses, including the oldest, were in the vicinity of the Campbell Koppies, when they all climbed the boulder-strewn hills.  The old female was the last to ascend and wasn't in the best of moods when she did.  That evening, a herd of just over 100 buffaloes came past the Campbell Koppies and some of the lionesses stalked down the hill to take them on.  Then, whilst this was happening, the two Split Rock Males appeared and headed towards the Styx Pride.  These two male lions had been found earlier that afternoon, several kilometres away and walked steadily towards the Campbell Koppies and the Styx Pride.  Some roaring had occurred between the two groups of lions, so the Styx Pride simply must have been aware of their presence.  But why did they call them?  The addition of the Split Rock Males would have been good for the killing of buffaloes, but, as it turned out, this is not what the male lions wanted.  Ignoring the buffaloes, they climbed the Campbell Koppies which the Styx Pride had ascended that morning.  So, why the interest in this area?  Male lions often show curiosity in the arrival of cubs; could it be that this is why the Styx Pride had called them to the area?  Had the old lioness just given birth and, even though the Split Rock Males may not have been the fathers of the cubs, it would have been good for the Styx Pride, with which the Split Rock Males are intimately familiar, to be present when the cubs are 'introduced' to them.

March 2004

The Split Rock Males were remarkably absent this month, there ultimately being only two sightings of them, the one of one of them circling the koppie on which the old lioness of the Styx Pride is thought to have hidden her cubs.  The only other encounter with both Split Rock Males during March was when they were seen just to the west of Flockfield, deep in the heart of West Street Male territory.  Just why the Split Rock Males haven't once and for all forced the West Street Males to leave their territory remains something of a mystery.  The West Street Males appear weaker by the day and the Split Rock Males continue to push further and further into areas once considered exclusive West Street Male land.  So why no grand finale?  Why do the Split Rock Males continue to show at least some hesitation and allow the West Street Males to remain with the Eyrefield Pride?  Are they perhaps afraid of the young males of the Eyrefield Pride, the six males of the group other than the West Street Males?  And since the West Street Males are almost always with these six maturing males, this just doesn't give the two Split Rock Males much opportunity to confront them alone. 
Another problem which the Split Rock Males still have to deal with is the continued presence of the two younger male lions (one perhaps five years old and a year or so older than the other) which made their appearance some months ago on the northeastern areas of the reserve.  These two young males are still around and roaming Split Rock Male territory and its surrounds.  As has been speculated in the past, if the Split Rock Males ultimately concentrate too much on distractions beyond their borders, they could neglect what happens inside their territory and this could prove disastrous.  There were three sightings of these afore-mentioned male lions this month, one on NW Eyrefield, one on SW Mala Mala and then the other on central Flockfield.

April 2004

The Split Rock Males spent much of the month with the Styx Pride, mating with three of the lionesses and also following them around whilst on the hunt.  And, probably because they spent so much time with these lionesses, they spent relatively little time pursuing their territorial challenge on the West Street Males to the south.  There was certainly one incident when the Split Rock Males chased the two West Street Males and members of the Eyrefield Pride from a wildebeest kill on the Mala Mala Airstrip, but this was pretty much it.  As things stabilise with the Styx Pride, however, so perhaps they'll concentrate more on what has been an objective of theirs for many months now. 
There was no confirmed sighting of the two young adult male lions which have been seen on various parts of the reserve, but mostly within Split Rock Male territory, over the last few months.  Perhaps the Split Rock Males have dealt with them.

May 2004

The Split Rock Males were seen together and inside West Street Male territory at the very beginning of this report-period, when they moved westwards from NW Flockfield.  But that's pretty much what was seen of their incursion into West Street Male territory.  If they were present on any other occasion, it certainly wasn't noticed.  Towards the end of the report-period, they parted ways, the younger of the two males spending several days in the Manyelethi River feeding on some or other carcass whilst the other one joined up with the Styx Pride and latched onto them. 
Their only other interaction with the Styx Pride was towards the beginning of May when they were seen meeting up with the oldest lioness of the pride near the Campbell Koppies.  This meeting wasn't particularly friendly and seemed dedicated to the maintenance of male dominance.  Nevertheless, as bullying as the Split Rock Males will be, they are an essential part of the Styx Prides' life and are needed if other male lions are to be kept away from killing their young cubs.  And they do have a kind side to them too; at the last sighting of this game-report-period, the older of the Split Rock Males was seen to give a helping hand, when, whilst following the Styx Pride, the smallest cub of the family became separated from the rest whilst they were crossing a steep-sided donga.  The lionesses simply called the cub, encouraging it to cross, but the male lion actively appeared to assist the tiny cub.

July 2004

Both Split Rock Males were seen, sometimes alone, sometimes together, and sometimes with one or more of the Styx Pride lionesses.   There seems to be increasing evidence that the younger of the Split Rock Males has taken over as the more dominant individual.
August 2004
As far as could be told, the Split Rock Males had a relatively uneventful month, spending time mainly on Eyrefield, Mala Mala and Marthly.   They were seen alone and together, and also in the company of the Styx Pride.    

September 2004

There were numerous sightings of the two Split Rock Males in September, and they had a busy month.   Their activities confirmed that they still have the Styx Pride and Mlowathi Pride under their control, as they mated with members of both of these prides.  
They also took a major step towards taking over control of at least part of the Eyrefield Pride, when they joined with this pride in feeding on a buffalo kill.   The Split Rock Males clearly dominated over the young Eyrefield Pride Males, which eventually left the area of the kill to the Split Rock Males and a couple of Eyrefield Pride females.

October 2004

The two Split Rock Males were seen very regularly during the month, and appear to be doing well.   The younger male still has a very swollen front left lower limb, but he is able to get around with nothing more than a slight limp.   The older male had the side of his nose torn open, probably in a scuffle with other male lions.   The Split Rock Males were seen in the company of both the Mlowathi Pride and the Styx Pride.

November 2004

The two Split Rock Males were seen many times again in November, and were together more often than not. They were also seen to spend a good deal of time with the Styx Pride, and some mating activity was witnessed. The bond between the two males seems to be quite strong, but it is not clear which of the two is the dominant individual at this stage.

December 2004

On ten of the days during this game report period, at least one of the Split Rock Males was seen. The two were seen together on four occasions, and on one of those occasions they were in the company of the Styx Pride.
Most other sightings were of the older Split Rock Male in the company of Styx Pride members. The younger Split Rock Male was seen on his own on two occasions, and he was not seen at all after the middle of the month. Both lions seem to be in good health overall, although the younger one is still favouring his injured front leg.

2005

January 2005

Although not seen very frequently in January, the Split Rock Males still seem to have the north and west of the reserve under their control. The two males were seen together on a few occasions, and on a few more occasions just the older male was seen in the company of the Styx Pride.

February 2005

Most sightings involving the Split Rock Males were of just one of the males on his own, and this was usually the older male. He was seen to respond to a roaring Styx pride lioness and to join up with her. On one morning later in the month, both Split Rock Males were seen together to the south and west of the airstrip, where they had probably followed up on ten members of the Eyrefield Pride (including males). If the Eyrefield Males and other young males of the Eyrefield Pride spend much time in the vicinity of northern Flockfield and western Mala Mala, the Split Rock Males will find themselves under considerable pressure. Time will tell how they cope!

March 2005

Every time one of the Split Rock Males was seen, he was either in the company of one or more members of the Styx Pride, or not far from them. On only one occasion were both males seen together, and on that occasion, they had not initially been found together, but joined up after roaring. The Split Rock Males sometimes look rather haggard, and it is clear that they are going to be faced with various challenges in the months ahead. It will be a test of their character!

April 2005

There were sightings of one or both of the Split Rock Males on 6 days in April. Interestingly, they were not seen with any lionesses on any of these occasions. Not the most dynamic of the male lion coalitions seen on Mala Mala over the years, the Split Rock Males did, however, give a couple of good exhibitions of roaring.

May 2005

Most sightings of the Split Rock Males were of both males together, and on three occasions they were seen with the Styx Pride. These two male lions were seen to kill an adult hyena early in the month of May. Male lions are notorious for their hatred of hyenas. The condition of the Split Rock Males seemed quite good, certainly better than in the previous month.

June 2005

The two Split Rock Males seemed to have a good month, and both of them are in reasonably good shape. The lower part of the front leg of the younger male is still hugely swollen, but he has been carrying this injury for about 2 years now. The older male still has a wound on the side of his nose, which keeps being opened up.
Just after the middle of June, the older Split Rock Male was found on a freshly killed kudu bull. There were no other lions around, and it is quite likely that he killed the kudu himself. A couple of hyenas dared to approach to within 100 metres of the kill on the morning that it was found, and the male lion took great exception to this brazen behaviour. Showing a tremendous turn of speed, he took off after the hyenas, and caught one, which he savagely mauled. Inexplicably, the hyena managed to escape, and it seemed not too much the worse for wear! By the next day, the second Split Rock Male had arrived at the kill, and the two of them gorged themselves on the carcass over the next 24 hours or so. Their behaviour and movements in June suggest that the Split Rock Males are serious about their claim to dominating the northern parts of the reserve, and have no intention of easily giving way to a younger coalition. Towards the end of the month, these two male lions were seen close to the remains of an adult male nyala, but it is not known whether they had killed it or stolen it from another predator.

July 2005

The Split Rock Males were seen on eight occasions during the July game report period. On all but one occasion, both males were seen together. The older male appeared to retain his dominance, and he was seen to mate with one of the Styx Pride females.

August 2005

The Split Rock Males were seen on eight occasions during the August game report period. On only two occasions, both males were seen together. These sightings of the two males together were on successive days. On the first of those days, the two were seen along the Matshapiri, and showed great interest in 3 buffalo bulls that passed close by them. The older male ran in after the buffaloes, but his younger companion, perhaps worried about his sore front leg, merely looked on. Around the middle of the game report period, the older male was again seen to mate with one of the Styx Pride females.

September 2005

The Split Rock Males were seen on half of the days of this game report period, and most sightings were of both males together. On several occasions, the males were with some of the Styx Pride members.
The older Split Rock Male gave a good display of his tree-climbing ability, when he picked up the scent of a carcass that a leopard had just dragged along the eastern flood plain of the Sand River , and hoisted up a jackalberry tree. The lion ran towards the tree, which the leopard had just hastily descended, and climbed to the position of the kill, about 6 metres above the ground. He then descended the tree with the kill, and fed on it on the ground. He really made it look quite easy!

October 2005

The two Split Rock Males provided a good deal of viewing in October and entertained their fans with some good roaring, exaggerated levels of male bonding, mating with a Styx lioness and killing a hyena.
The hyena had dared to approach, quite noisily, a rhino carcass around which the Split Rock Males and Styx Pride were lying. The two Split Rock Males roused themselves instantly from their rest and showed impressive speed as they chased, caught, mauled and killed an adult hyena. The Split Rock Males and accompanying Styx lionesses showed undisguised hatred for the hyena. While the younger Split Rock Male was still holding onto the throat of the hyena with his jaws, the older male and the lionesses bit angrily at the lower body of the hyena and then roared and scent-marked in the immediate vicinity.

November 2005

The Split Rock Males had a very good month in November, being seen on no fewer than 22 days. They also showed that they are still very much in control, especially when it came to clashes with the males of the Eyrefield Pride.

December 2005

The Split Rock Males were seen 13 times, mostly with the Styx pride during December 2005. The older male was also seen mating with one of the 7-year-old lionesses of the Eyrefield pride and courting the youngest lioness of the Styx Pride. They provided lots of roaring entertainment and still seem to be well in control of northern Mala Mala. Reply