There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Dark Mane is very present in Djuma and looking in good shape. What will be the final result between him and the Imbali Male is an unanswered question. For those concerned with Dark Mane's old injury it is good to know that he is a capable lion. He was the one who actually brought down the Buffalo that they recently fed on. As the guide said Dark Mane was on the "business end" of the Buffalo takedown.
This morning we went to the area where we had seen a male Leopard the night before. But on our way there, we received a call on the radio that a male Lion (Northern Avoca - Dark Mane) was in the same area. As we got there, he was contact calling for the pride and slowly moved off into the Manyeleti Game Reserve.
The Northern Avoca males drew first blood in the battle for the Sand River between themselves and the defending but ageing Gowrie males. On the 18th , one of the males killed at least two young Kambula pride cubs at West Street. Sending a clear message that they have control of the north. In another shift, we viewed the third Northern Avoca male for the first time on MalaMala on the 16th when he was south of Mlowathi Dam. On the 15th , the two males were seen with the entire Nkuhuma pride on a Cape buffalo kill in central Eyrefield. On the 23rd , a male was at Senegal Bush with an impala kill. A male was with a lioness from the Kambula pride at Campbell Koppies and Kigelia Crossing on the 24th and 25th , respectively. On the 27th, the two males were with the Nkuhuma pride south of Matshapiri Dam on another Cape buffalo kill. The final four days of the month saw a male mating with a lioness from the Kambula pride in the vicinity of Campbell Koppies.
