Lions of Timbavati

[Tshokwane]

From Tintswalo First blood drawn between two male Lion coalitions:
Mbiri pride (4)

 
The Mbiri pride have been at the center of the drama, and the two coalitions seem to be competing for the same pride. The pride has been seen interacting with both coalitions as well, seemingly unable to make their minds up. The Mbiri pride have been staying in the area around Buffalo plains and Lomfane area for the week, and on the 1st of July they attempted to hunt Buffalo on Lomfane, but failed miserably in the attempt. The next day they were found close to that area, at Khoka Moya camp, where they spent the day. We then didn’t see the Mbiri’s for a few days, until they were found flirting with the thanda impi males on Catwalk west. This was after the Thanda Impi males ganged up on one of the Avoca males. The tracks suggest that the Avoca male was with the Mbiri pride at the time of the attack.

Thanda Impi male Lions (3)


 
The first sighting we had of the Thanda Impi’s was on the 3rd of July. One of the Avoca males was calling, and the Thanda Impi’s were found responding to these roars on Helens road. We followed as they roared and scent marked, moving east and securing the area around the Nharhu pride, with whom they have 10 cubs at the moment. Two days later, they were found with the Nharhu pride on a Buffalo kill, close to Main Dam. It all seemed to have quietened down, until the morning of the 5th of July. The guys found one of the Avoca male Lions, looking quite badly beaten up. The Thanda Impi males, were then found with the Mbiri pride, only a short distance away on Catwalk west. They seem to have timed their move very well, finding the much larger Avoca male without his brother. Relying on team work to secure their territory! The mark of a successful coalition of male Lions.

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Avoca male Lions (3)

 
These two big male Lions came in with a bang this week. They came in roaring, and looking for the Mbiri pride, and to be honest, looking for a fight too. The first sighting was on the 3rd of July, Alistair found one of them on Rians folly, moving north and roaring! A clear statement was being made. That afternoon, we found the other male at leopards drift. About a kilometer from where the Thanda Impi males had responded. He moved even further south, roaring and walking in  the direction on the Thanda Impi’s. Once again, a clear message was being sent. It all went quiet, until the morning of the 5th, when the same Avoca male, that went looking for a fight, was found quite badly injured on Windi Windi. The Thanda Impi’s had double teamed him, and he had an injured eye and some serious looking bite marks on his back legs. Round one to the Thanda Impi’s, but this is far from over!

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