Coalitions of Kruger National Park

[Tonpa]

Lions

• The Mananga Pride have continually been the most viewed pride on the concession. They are being seen in two separate portions, one smaller portion consisting of two lionesses and six cubs and a larger portion consisting of 17 individuals. The smaller portion are regularly being located around Gudzane Dam where one very memorable sighting was had along the Gudzane Stream at the bottom of Gudzane Lookout. The larger portion are starting to move further south and east into areas that were once firmly dominated by the Mountain Pride. As the cubs and sub adults grow so do the demands on the adult females to provide regular meals. We were surprised one morning when the pride was located on the Mozambican border with a kudu kill, the furthest east they have ever been!
  

• The two Shish males continue to dominate the north and western parts of the concession and are regularly seen accompanying the larger portion of the Mananga Pride.
  

• The Mountain Pride were not viewed this month, going from our most viewed pride to the least after seemingly having shifted almost the entirety of their territory into Mozambique. The reason for their move has puzzled us all but it is most likely due to the larger Mananga Pride moving further east in search of hunting opportunities.
  

• The Shish Pride are continuing to keep a low profile, probably in attempts to avoid the two Trichardt males. They too have shifted further south and east and are spending time in the mountains between Mozambique and our eastern portions. Interesting times lie ahead for this pride and the hope is that they will completely accept the advances of the Trichardt males and settle back in their original territory. One morning a single Trichardt male and a Shish lioness were found mating just outside of the lodges.
  

• The biggest surprise of the month was the sudden reappearance of the Maputo and Kumana male lions. They were found in the western parts and followed right through their old stomping grounds as they moved back east. The Maputo male is in incredible condition but the Kumana male is really starting to show his age, the nomadic lifestyle seems to be taking its toll on him
  

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