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.
The Mananga Pride and Shish males have been sighted several times this month, mostly towards the north-western section of our concession, however, they ventured further east a couple of times and we found them once at Pebble Pan on a zebra carcass. One early morning we found tracks of the pride heading north to Gudzane dam. Upon following these prints, we located the pride laying peacefully in a clearing. Minutes later the cubs started playing and interacting and then from out of the bundle of lions emerged three new tiny cubs! An exciting discovery to behold, we look forward to following their progress in this fast-growing pride. After a particularly rainy twenty-four hours, the guides found the entire pride of twenty-two lions and two Shish males on a buffalo kill in a waterhole. An incredible sight to behold with every lion coated thickly in dark mud as they gorged themselves.
The Kumana male and Maputo male have been seen together regularly, with one amazing discovery of them on a waterbuck kill just north of the lodge. Another afternoon, late in January, we found the pair feeding on a young zebra around Ostrich Fly Camp. The males were joined by the Shish lionesses and three cubs. Upon finishing the kill, the Maputo male left with the older Shish lioness, walking south to the H6 road. It was there that we located them the next morning where we witnessed them mating.
A portion of the Shish Pride, one adult and three sub-adult females, have been sighted on several occasions in the southern part of our concession. They enjoy the open H6 road and we often see them patrolling at night.
Driving along the fence line parallel to Mozambique, we noticed a big line across the road. Upon examination, we realized that it was a drag mark and even saw an indentation in the fence. Tracing the drag into the bushes we found the Xirhombe male lion, lying in the shade. The Xirhombe male is a skilful killer, using the fence to his advantage to chase prey into the wired wall. On this occasion, we saw the remains of a large kudu female – a feast for the old male.
The Mountain Pride has been moving frequently through the grasslands and mountains. A large herd of around two hundred and fifty buffalo was grazing in Kori clearings for a few days and with the mountain pride very close to this location it was inevitable that they located them… Stalking quietly through the tall grass, the pride of 11 made their approach. The lionesses split up, each choosing their direction of attack. With the wind not in their favour, however, the buffalo soon became edgy and started raising their noses, sensing the invasion of the predators. Curious bulls moved closer to the lions, tension, and unrest in their movements. Then they saw them. Minute long seconds of suspense suddenly turned to chaos as the bulls started to chase the pride. When the rest of the buffaloes realised what was happening, they too joined the pursuit. With their energy wasted but lessons learned, the Mountain Pride hurried from the scene into the bush.
Wow...
With so many sons already ruling various prides, it's really fascinating to see that matimbas grandsons are coming to age and ready to take their own pride.
(02-03-2022, 08:11 PM)Brahimlegend Wrote: Berg en Dal males.
Credit: Adam Zimmerman
Who are they??
Never heard of them.
Fathers?
Natal pride?
Age?
Which pride they control??
Berg-en-Daal males is another name for the Young Jock males. They were fathered by 4 Stolsnek males. Born into Jock pride in 2014. They were originally 6, one left the brothers to join DeLaporte males, another was killed by EBMs (I think)
02-04-2022, 02:07 AM( This post was last modified: 02-04-2022, 03:28 AM by lionuk )
(02-03-2022, 07:10 AM)DARK MANE Wrote: How many subadult males do they have??
I think 2 or max 3.
They are 4 yrs old.
The photographer, Elize Roets, saw two of the Nsemani males (one pictured below) yesterday. He looks like his father, Rockfig.
Maybe other young males were somewhere not far from them, hopefully.
Coalitions of Kruger National Park
