Felids Interactions - Intraspecific Conflicts

[Tshokwane]

The Battle of 5 Lions: Written by Declan Kelly, an Amakhosi Ranger
Pics: Philip Khumalo
Video: Sven Paton

*This image is copyright of its original author

The night before, the King of the Jungle had met the usurper to his throne, a young Male lion had been cornered high on a lookout spot. But it wasn’t just the old male that the youngster had been fighting it was the whole pride!


Instead of supporting the usurpers claim, the three females rallied around their king and the youngster was surrounded, he mounted a valiant defence but in the end realised he was outnumbered and ran to the safety of the bush.

The following day, after hearing about this incident, I made the decision to investigate further whilst on a game drive. I was accompanied by several guests and we immediately headed to a high point up a hill to get a better view. Just as we reached the top we spotted a very majestic looking adult male lion. He was surveying his kingdom and appeared relaxed and regal.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Looking down the valley we noticed the three females lying in a clearing in the bush, they couldn’t have been more than 200 metres from the road. We seized the opportunity to take photos before making our way back down to continue our drive. We didn’t get far, one of the guests  let out an excited shout, “it’s him!! It’s the young male again!!”


He was using our departure to escape. He had been hiding in the bush that whole time, too afraid to move.
Suddenly the king appeared and the youngster came to a stop.

*This image is copyright of its original author

The young male was tired of running and wanted the matter decided now. The atmosphere was tense, would the old male allow him to join the pride, knowing that one day the usurper will again try to oust the old Male from power, or will the pride kill the usurper in one swift move


The old male beckoned the pride to his side and as the females appeared it became obvious that the young male had little chance of escape. Despite the odds stacking against him, this young male proved to be no pushover, he stood his ground and it began…

I was honoured to have witnessed it


Now remember, if you found this account interesting, just imagine how much better it is when you’re here in person! Reply