Coalitions of Kruger National Park

[Potato]

So the Mpondo male lions in the Kruger used to be the "Mjejane" males, we started seeing them in 2013/2014. At first we saw the 2 flying lions, they teamed up with the older U1 male at a later stage. After a couple of months they teamed up with 2 other young males.
When they were in their prime they moved into Kruger and claimed a territory around the Mpondo dam on the s26, hence their name. Later on they moved north towards Renosterkoppies s114. One male got very sick, but survived fortunately.
I was so proud of them when I saw posts of them of how they ruled these large territories. They've come a far way.
Recently they've been seen around the Jock concession, but they haven't been doing very well. Over the weekend they found a lion carcass and they assume it's the oldest of the Mpondos. He was about 4 or 5 years old when he came onto Mjejane, so I believe he must have been older than 10 years when he died.
It's the end of the mighty Mpondo's reign, but they've had a very successful life and sired a lot of cubs. I'm heart broken about their recent state, but it's the circle of life. RIP U1 Mpondo

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Is it Mjejane males which recently compete with Mpondo male over Renosterkoppies pride, correct? I am not too well aware with lion dynamic in that region.  Anyway there are still 4 Mpondos around so words that the coalition is done seem to be too early ones. Reply