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Lions of Sabi Sands
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MFrom sabi sabi
Posted on October 9, 2017 TERRY’S CYCLE HIGHLIGHTS: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER The first rains have come, the dust has settled, the seasonal pans are filling up and the seemingly dead grasses are showing life once more. The summer migrant birds are steadily making their way here even despite their arrivals being premature. Nature does not work on a Gregorian calendar, she sets her own pace as she decides when it will happen. We are often asked open ended questions – What will happen with this and what will happen to that? The truth is, we don’t know. Nature is unpredictable and full of exceptions, exceptions seem to be the new normality, that is what makes this place so intriguing and it’s our experiences which shape our opinions. Some of the most interesting sightings i experienced this cycle revolved around the carcass of a deceased elephant. If one could bear the awful smell, you would have witnessed the Southern Pride, the Tsalala male, hyenas and vultures, as well as the Southern Pride chasing off the Avoca males.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author It seemed like the Southern Pride, after chasing off the Avocas, made way for a large clan of hyenas who were then displaced by two of the Tsalala males  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author It wasn’t long before the Avoca males returned and in a confident display of aggression, attacked the third Tsalala male who had only just been reunited with his brothers. Taking on 3 male lions is tough and it was very well coordinated when the Avoca males decided to focus their attention on just the one member of the coalition. This split the 3 once more sending the other two Tsalala males fleeing south with the two Avoca males in hot pursuit, who were vocalising and scent marking aggressively after the altercation. *This image is copyright of its original author This left a window of opportunity for the attacked Tsalala to flee in the opposite direction to the north but with only a bruised ego to nurse, he was lucky to get out with no other affects *This image is copyright of its original author It wasn’t long before the brothers reunited once more as the two brothers ventured back North to find their brother, however, these two coalitions battles are far from over  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author All while this commotion was going on, the Southern Pride returned to the Southern section of the reserve to keep the cubs away from the mayhem.  *This image is copyright of its original author With all the squabbles happening with the lions, the vultures and hyenas had a free pass at the elephant carcass, devouring the rotting meat in double quick time just in case there was an untimely return by the lions. Even if they did return, the hyenas would have struggled to run away thanks to their distended stomachs!  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author The Avoca males did return a week later in their attempt to rid the area of all opposing lions. These boys are fierce and have wreaked havoc during their time but will certainly be a force.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author The end of the dry season has come, and those that have made it through this time set to breathe a sigh of relief. This can be short lived as the dynamic nature of wild Africa will always keep its inhabitants guessing and even ourselves are left wondering what the future may bring.  *This image is copyright of its original author Till next cycle… BLOG BY TERRY ENNEVER (SELATI CAMP RANGER) Source:https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/14457/terr...eroctober/ |
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