Lions of Timbavati

[PumpkinCat]

Inbreeding in the Greater Kruger area has been ongoing among lions for decades, and I think this is the result of a deeper complex problem. It's very sad, because for many years these lions would have had no choice in the matter as the gates were closed off. Occasionally we do get to see an exchange between lions in Greater Kruger and Kruger Park, but it's not happening often enough to create healthier genetics among these western prides. There is probably multiple reasons why this is, and it could have to do with low prey density near the borders, or the borders themselves are not open and accessible enough for these prides and coalitions. What we do know is that there is still a clear separation between the two sides, and it is still affecting the lions to this day. 

This is also likely why the leucistic gene occurs naturally most often in Timbavati than any other place. A lot of the Timbavati prides share this gene and are either closely or distantly related. Reply