Kambula/Ntsevu Pride

[Tonpa]

THE KAMBULA PRIDE = 21

Finally, after much observation and gathering of identification pictures, it appears that we have a more comprehensive breakdown of the splits of this pride:

Kambula Group A – two lionesses and two cubs.
Kambula Group B – four young male lions and two young female lions.
Kambula Group C – four adult females and three young female lions.

The above breakdown leaves two young males and three young females unaccounted for. Both young males were seen in August, so we can confirm that they are alive but are not moving with Kambula Group B. The unaccounted-for young females are trickier to explain. It is likely that Kambula Group C is a fluid grouping and that the young females come and go. While sightings of Kambula Group C are consistently of seven lionesses, we cannot confirm if they are the same individuals each time. Lionesses from this grouping continue to mate with the Ndhzenga males.

Noteworthy sightings:
• Kambula Group C was at Charleston North Crossing on the 14th. They enjoyed the company of the Ndhzenga males. Kambula Group B was also seen on the 14th in the most eastern parts of the Kapen River.
• Kambula Group A killed a buffalo bull west of Bicycle Crossing on the 17th. One of the lone young males was around Mlowathi Koppies on the same day.
• On the 18th and 19th, Kambula Group A fed on the remains of their buffalo kill. Interestingly, they were joined by the lone young male and the frail Ndhzenga male on both days.
• Two lionesses mated with a Ndhzenga male north of the Rock Drift Donga on the 23rd , 24th and 26th
• Kambula Group A and Kambula Group B were on opposite sides of Matshapiri Open Area on the 25th. As far as we are aware, they remained oblivious of one another.
• Three young lionesses killed an impala around Lion Waterhole on the 25th.
• Kambula Group C had an altercation with the Styx pride on the last day of the month, around Calabash Crossing. Three Ndhzenga males were present. Reply