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Potato · 06-26-2020, 11:13 PM

https://www.umlani.com/blog/post/umlani-captured-in-photos-october-2016/
https://www.sundestinations.co.za/blog/the-last-trilogy-male-lion-returns-to-klaserie/

June-November 2016

Mapoza males raise to power, ousting Mabande male and two remaining Trilogy males part 6

Aftermatch

It seems the reign of the legendary Trilogy males has come to an end. Over the last few months, with pressure from new coalitions that moved in, their grip on the southern Timbavati began to slip. They had a brutal fight with the two young Ross males which left both Trilogy males beaten and running for the hills. They settled a bit more north until the arrival of 2 more males from a neighbouring reserve, the Mapoza males. One of the Trilogy males was last seen a while back, his wounds not healing and he was in bad condition and we presume he wasn't able to recover and passed away. The lone surviving Trilogy male has since been seen moving far north and out of his former territory, leaving it to the Mapoza males. With the take over brings interesting times and hopefully lion cubs, as the Mapozas have been mating constantly with the last white lioness and the two Ross breakaway females.

*This image is copyright of its original author

A glance back at our last sighting of this Trilogy male:

After the death of the first of the 3 Trilogy males about a year ago, the famous trio had narrowed down to 2. One of remaining duo was not in good condition after a buffalo hunt went bad, while the other (always the most dominant of the 3) was seemingly strong; but 1 male could not stand up to the force of the young and powerful Mapoza pair, and when it became obvious that the weaker Trilogy male had died, the last one standing was seen slinking through the area and disappearing into the thicket, quickly and quietly, avoiding confrontation. That memorable sighting was 7 months ago, and we did not think we would see that iconic, battle-scarred male again on this turf again, especially since the Mapoza males were such a strong presence.

Potato · 07-04-2020, 03:41 PM

https://wildearth.tv/2008/05/the-mapogo-story/

The Mapogo story

*This image is copyright of its original author

We (Karen in VA and Aquila) were asked to share some bits of information/background on the Mapogo Male Coalition with you. We have been gathering info from various sites (Mala Mala, Londolozi, Djuma, Nkorho, Elephant Plains, Singita, Arathusa, Ulusaba, Wildwatch) and their sightings databases along with a few helpful people answering the questions we sent their way.

Some of this information was first part of a Database that we were compiling for Africam. Graham asked if we would share this with the WE Viewers as well. We hope you find this info as interesting as we have.

Misty morning 03/05/08

*This image is copyright of its original author

Mapogo Coalition – 6 Male Lions also known as the Eyrefield Males, the Sparta Males and in some regions the “Cannibals”. They were named Mapogo after a security company that utilizes rather harsh methods in dealing with offenders. We’ve found several different meanings for Mapogo.
Ulusaba refers to it as meaning “Vigilantes” and Savanna Lodge refers to the Mapogo name being a Zulu word meaning “Rogues”. What ever the meaning, they are Bad News!

Pride they Originated From: Eyrefield Pride aka Sparta Pride. This pride still exists and consists of 3 adult females and 9 cubs. Two of the remaining Eyrefield pride lionesses are siblings of the Mapogos and the third and oldest lioness may very well be the Mother to some of them. The dominant male of this Pride today is the one remaining Roller Coaster/Shaw/Castleton Male.

Sired by: A Coalition of 5 Male Lions known as The West Street Males aka The Sparta Males. (Note: There is a twist to this story that we will share
a little later.)

1st day WE saw them on cam 12/27/07

*This image is copyright of its original author

These males took over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride from
the Manyeleti males in 1998. They were approximately 8 yrs of age at the time and successfully raised many cubs to adulthood during their reign.
The last of this coalition died in 2004 at the approximate age of 14 years or even older (some reports indicated the last two were plus/minus 16 yrs in 2003 when two of the original four Marthly/Split Rock/Robson males moved in).

After lioness & cubs were killed 03/13/08

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Oldest Mapogo Male is said to be unrelated to the other 5. The story is that the original pride (Eyrefield/Sparta) lost a male sub adult of 20 to 21 months of age in May/June 2000 and in July 2000 this male of about the same age latched on to the original pride. Though not readily accepted by the lionesses, the West Street Males barely tolerated him though they didn’t kill him as he was no threat to their dominance due to his age.

His life was not an easy one as he was considered an outcast, yet this young lion became one of the boldest and most valued hunters by helping to keep the pride fed when the West Street males became too old.
Londolozi refers to the oldest Mapogo male as “Ngalalalekha”. Ngala means lion so does lalekha mean “old, older, oldest”? Good question for Rexon.

Mr T After lioness & cubs were killed 03/13/08

*This image is copyright of its original author

This oldest Male is elusive. He is said to be bigger, bolder and darker than the other five. He is believed to be the sire of most of the Mapogo cubs that have been born so far but with more recent reports of matings it seems some of the other males will become fathers too if not already.

Prides that currently have cubs sired by a Mapogo are the Tsalala pride, the Othawa pride and the Sand River pride. More than likely, there are others as well.
One story about this older male that sticks out in our minds is when Londolozi reported a sighting of two hyena clans on a buffalo carcass. A group of approximately 25 adult elephants standing shoulder to shoulder with little ones behind them were staring the hyenas down. A noise was heard behind the vehicle and when the spotlight was shown in that direction an “enormous” male lion burst into their sight roaring louder than any roar they had ever heard before which sent 30 hyenas scattering. It was the leader of the six Mapogos. He stared down the wall of elephants which after about 5 minutes of standing their ground finally gave way to the lone male and moved off.

Giraffe Steal from Nkuhuma 01/12/08

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The Other 5 Mapogo Males are said to be sired by the West Street Males but here is where the twist comes in…… the two youngest might have been sired by the Roller Coaster Males aka Shaw Males aka Castleton Males. The Roller Coaster males were believed to have started out as a Coalition of 6. Four of which enticed some of the Eyrefield/Sparta females into mating with them while the aging West Street males were away from the pride. Thus it is unclear who actually fathered the two youngest. And to add another little twist, it is said that the West Street Males who sired the Mapogos also fathered the Roller Coaster/Shaw/Castleton males.

Estimated ages of the Mapogo Coaliton as of May 2008:

Older Unrelated Male – 9 yrs 7 mos

Two Older Related Males – 7 yrs 4 1/2 mos

One a Little Younger Male – 7 yrs 2 mos
Two youngest males (possibly sired by the Roller Coaster Males) – 6 yrs 6 mos

Giraffe Steal from Nkuhuma 01/12/08

*This image is copyright of its original author

As you can see, the Mapogo Coalition is not the first nor will it be the last large coalition. Being the first large coalition the WE viewers have encountered, it is hard to comprehend that the current lion population can survive with all these killings but they will. The survivors of this onslaught will be the “new” beginning, the “next” generation just as the survivors of past large coalitions were. We don’t like it and we don’t have to like it but sadly it is the nature of things.

How have they impacted the lion population in just the couple of years they have been independent? Here are a few reports:

Londolozi reports five prides that have been adversely affected by the Mapogos. They cited these three: Castleton Pride originally 22 and down to 6; Tsalala Pride originally 10 and down to 5; Ximunvanyane Pride originally 10 down to ZERO. We can say fairly confidently, the number of prides adversely affected has risen since the Londolozi report.

Elephant Plains reported recently of receiving a report from Sabi Sands stating almost 40% of the lion population has been killed by the Mapogo Coalition in just the past year. That relates to approximately 50 lions.
(Our thoughts: Do these numbers also include deaths that occurred from the pressure that the Mapogo coalition has put on other prides and coalitions in the Sabi Sands area?)

Quote from Elephant Plains referencing the Mapogos “Killing buffalo, adult giraffes, even young rhinos and hippos. And lions. And they were not just killing the lions..they were eating them”
More on their cannibalistic ways. On February 7th 2007, the Mapogos not only brutally killed “Rocky” aka the Serengeti/Kruger male but they ate him. “Rocky” was the dominant male that sired the 6 cubs of the two younger Tsalala pride lionesses. All those cubs have been killed except for one sub adult female. Currently the Tsalala pride falls under the dominance of the Mapogos. In the same report where Singita tells of “Rocky’s” death, they mention the Mapogos being seen eating a dead lioness the previous year.
Hyenas better watch out too! We haven’t seen any reports of them eating Hyenas but they do kill them as shown in this sighting from Singita.
http://www.singita.com/site/Wildlife/rangerdetails.asp?rangerid=207
Recently, the Elephant Plains Newsletter had a graphic photo of a Mapogo Male with a Hyena in it’s mouth. Though the Hyena was not killed on the spot, it died from the injuries sustained.
Knowing how much we all love the Nkuhuma pride, we will only post the link to the killing of Blondie by the Mapogo Males. Reported by Arathusa, Dec 14, 2007. (Note: This is a PDF file)
http://www.arathusa.co.za/pdf/diaries/Dec0701.pdf
The Mapogo Males not only kill other males’ cubs but cubs of their own.
Ulusaba reported in June 2007 that a split in the coalition had occurred (though this split seems to have only been temporary). During this report period the 5 related Mapogos killed the oldest unrelated Mapogo’s cubs belonging to the Othawa lionesses.
The Mapogos seem to have banded back together as a coalition after the short term split in 2007, Ulusaba reported in March 2008 that the coalition had joined the Sand River pride on one of their occasional visits to see their offspring. They all shared in two wildebeest kills including the FIVE male cubs (beginning of another large coalition?). One of the cubs thought it would be fun to slap his sleeping Father on the nose. Boy oh boy did he find out that was a mistake. His Father exploded to his feet bearing down on the defenseless cub! Luckily, all the little one got was a good swat to his backside. LOL After some Motherly reassurance, the cub decided his siblings were a better target for that type of play.
Items that may be of Interest:

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[i]After lioness & cubs were killed 03/13/08[/i]
[i]

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[/i]

[i]We hope this information has been helpful and may shed a new light on these bad boys. Are they BAD? Yes! Are they any worse than other large coalitions? Probably not, with the possible exception of their cannibalistic ways.. they tend to take that to an Extreme!
Please remember, this information is not set in stone as it is an evolving story and there are conflicting accounts.
Written by Aquila and Karen in VA[/i]

[i]

*This image is copyright of its original author

[/i]

Potato · 07-10-2020, 04:44 PM

Since old Tintswalo reports are deleted from their webside then as source I leave old wildfact thread link to where those reports were copy pasted.

https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-lions-of-timbavati?page=6
https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-lions-of-timbavati?page=7
https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-lions-of-timbavati?page=8
https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-lions-of-timbavati?page=9

June-July 2016

Avoca/Giraffe vs Thanda Impi competition for Mbiri pride

These(Avoca males) are probably some of the biggest male lions i have seen and they are coming closer and closer towards our dominant males and their pride! Lion dynamics in the Manyeleti is heating up big time

Credits to Christof Schoeman

[img]https://i.imgur.com/LIsfvjk.jpg" class="lozad max-img-size" alt="" title="">

*This image is copyright of its original author

22-29 June:

Mbiri pride

This week was still a very unsettling week for the Mbiri pride! We started their week off with two of the younger Lionesses around Manor house on the 23rd, where they tried to hunt Wildebeest close to Manor house pan. The entire pride was seen again on the 25th, accompanied by one of the Avoca male Lions. He mated with one of the older Lionesses several times, with the younger females in the area. It seems that the younger females are more comfortable with the Avoca males, that the Thanda impi males. The last sighting we had of the Mbiri pride was on the 28th, where they were accompanied by the Thanda impi males on River road, only about 100 meters from our Presidential suite. Again there was mating taking place. This pride seems to be bringing the two coalitions closer to one another, a cause for concern in the future.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Thanda Impi male Lions

We had two sightings of the Thanda Impi’s this week. They were seen early in the week with the Nharhu pride on Ngwenya loop, to the west of Main Dam. It was a wonderful sighting, with interaction between the males, cubs and the females. They then disappeared for a few days, before turning up with the Mbiri pride at our presidential suite. They were mating with both of the older Lionesses, including the Lioness that was mating with the Avoca male a few days earlier. I personally don’t believe that they’re strong enough to look after two prides, and it might be worth their while staying with the Nharhu pride, but thats not how male Lions are wired, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens in the next few months.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Avoca males

We had at least one of the big males from the north this week. He spent the majority of the week in the north and west of the reserve, and was interacting with two separate prides, the Mbiri’s and the Mohlawareng pride. He was first seen with the Mohlawareng pride around Civet road, and later moved more south to the Mbiri pride on Nyathi drive. We are used to seeing these guys sporadically, but this week they were interacting with prides. We think this might be the start of a new group of males in the north!

*This image is copyright of its original author

July:

Mbiri pride

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

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.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Avoca male Lions

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! (Note: actually it turned out that is over indeed and Thanda Impis with that move secured pride for themselfs.)

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 07-20-2020, 06:05 PM

https://www.umlani.com/blog/post/umlani-captured-in-photos-june-2019/
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40738-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-46?AG_MK=0&AG_form_paginInitPages_40738=1&AG_form_albumInitFolders_40738=24062019&AG_MK=0
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40752-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-49

July 2019

Two Mbiris males vs three nomadic Nharhu males. First encounter

Umlani:

The lions of the Timbavati have been absolute stars this month when it came to our game drives, the 4 Myambula lionesses and their 10 cubs have been very active especially around Umlani Bushcamp itself. One morning the pride was found on a full grown kudu bull carcass along with the 2 Mbiri males, that afternoon when we returned to the scene the pride had also just killed a zebra. 3 of the River pride males then foolishly approached the carcasses and were met aggressively by the 4 lionesses the commotion woke the sleeping Mbiri males who then chased the males off, we could hear the dominant males giving at least one of the younger males a good hiding before roaring out in victory. As the big males made their way back to the kill and their pride, one of the young males returned to the zebra kill and started feeding, it appeared that he did not fear the mighty Mbiri males who's roars were getting closer and closer. We sat in anticipation to see the outcome of this bold move by the younger male, however on sight of the larger males making their approach he lost his nerve and began to run for his life the big Mbiri male gave chase and again we could hear the sounds of lions fighting as the younger male got caught, beaten and chased out of the area. The smaller Mbiri male guarded the kill sporting a few fresh cuts and blood oozing from his mouth, but defiant over the young intruders, the pride and their cubs were safe for another day and our guests were left with a memory that would last a lifetime after a display of natural power second to none.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Tanda Tula:

[b]A WEEK OF THE MAYAMBULA PRIDE IN PICTURES – 21st June 2019[/b]

Welcome back to another weekly update about the animals that call the central Timbavati their home. It was a week that had a real winter feeling about it – crisp, cold mornings followed by blue skies and mild days before ending off with star-filled skies as the Milky Way looks down on us. It was a week that belonged to one very special family that has taken up residence in this part of the Greater Kruger, and that is none other than the 16-strong members of the Mayambula Pride of lions.

Whilst we thought their presence in the area during the previous reporting period was good, this week was exceptional. The pride set up base in the central region of our concession and enjoyed no fewer than four kills during the course of the week. It all started last week when all sixteen members (including the two Mbiri males) were found feasting on a large kudu bull only 2kms from Tanda Tula Safari Camp. That afternoon Civilized headed out a little earlier in the afternoon to go and spend time with the pride. As it was early in the afternoon and they all had full bellies, he wasn’t expecting much action - he was wrong. After some time with the lions the four lionesses suddenly got up and stared to the west before slinking off. It wasn’t more than a couple of minutes later that pandemonium erupted as the lionesses brought down an adult zebra about 100m from their kudu kill! Civ and his guests sat and watched in amazement at the power of these lioness as they subdued the 300kg mare.

This was just the beginning! As all of the lionesses and their ten cubs began to feed on the zebra, the oldest lioness suddenly became quite alert and started calling to the Mbiri males, an odd thing to do for the simple reason that if the male lions were to come to their new kill they would simply commandeer it and leave the lionesses and cubs with nothing. The reason for this behaviour soon became very apparent as three of the young River Pride male lions came charging in towards the Mayambula Pride. Instincts kicked in and whilst one lioness ran off with the ten cubs in tow, the other three lionesses turned to face their aggressors head on, much to the surprise of the River Pride males. The sound of fighting lions drew an instant reaction from the smaller Mbiri male who had happily been sleeping until this point – he came charging in in a flash, and sent the River Pride boys scampering off, but he wasn’t done. The bigger Mbiri male had wandered off to go and drink, but his roars soon started echoing across the bush as he too came charging back. They spent the rest of the afternoon making sure the River Pride males knew that they weren’t welcome, and the pride gathered around to enjoy their zebra feast.

*This image is copyright of its original author

[b]A WEEK OF SUCCESSFUL PREDATORS IN PICTURES – 26thJuly 2019[/b]

The Mbiri males spent some time with the pride, but when we caught up with them later in the week, both males were walking with bad limps – nothing to be alarmed about, but a sign that they may well have been involved in another skirmish with some intruding lions

Potato · 07-25-2020, 06:01 PM

*This image is copyright of its original author

10th August:

Recently, we enjoyed a unique sighting of these two lions mating close to our lodge, the success of which will hopefully produce a brand new generation of lions in the wild.

*This image is copyright of its original author

13th August:

We've had some great lion sightings this week with the grand reappearance of the river pride boys after many months (pictured) as well as spotting the Mbiri males in our traverse for the first time! 2 new females have also showed up with a couple of juveniles in tow. The lion dynamics in the Klaserie seem to be ever-changing. Exciting times for us and our guests!

*This image is copyright of its original author

30th August:

The Mbiri males were absent for all but the last day of the week, and their whereabouts leave some room for speculation. My personal theory is that they may have been off mating with the older lioness from the River Pride. This assumption is based on the smaller Mbiri male’s behaviour last week. The fact that the Mbiri males were once again tracked hot on the heels of the River Pride, and finally, when the River Pride did show themselves, they were missing one of their older lionesses. Perhaps she was off somewhere else, but I do believe that the Mbiri males might be trying to take control of the River Pride too.

*This image is copyright of its original author

31th August:

What an amazing morning spent with the Mbiri Boys. Following up on lion audio in front of the lodge we came across these brutes chasing another male out of the area, before settling down to mate with this female.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Bill Drew

*This image is copyright of its original author

We awoke to the sound of male lions calling this morning and, shortly after, found the culprits.
Throughout the morning, a lioness also managed to locate the brothers, mating with one of them right next to the game vehicle!

3th September:

One of our home-grown River pride boys has been mating with an unknown female whilst his coalition brother looks on. Having had the huge Mbiri males also mating in the same area just the day before, these boys best be careful or there'll be a big fight coming! Nevertheless what an INCREDIBLE sighting for our lucky guests!

5th September:

These two have been mating for the last few days - hopefully in the near future we will be seeing some new additions to the lion population in the Klaserie!

6th September:

Interestingly, the Mbiri males have not joined up with them once over the last week. This is due to the powerful coalition broadening their territory even further and mating with some new females in the neighbouring Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

9th September:

Another morning another amazing lion sighting. We've had the pleasure of having these regal males on our property mating and doing there thing for the past few weeks. Long may it continue.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Bill Drew

*This image is copyright of its original author

14th September:

Just before the early morning game drive was due to head out, Xanatseni guide Bill Drew heard lions calling close to camp. After quickly packing the coffee box, It didn't take long to track down these two males who were busy catching some warm sunrise rays.

These are the same lions who took down a giraffe earlier this month, and there is also another male and female who is with them. These blondish big cats have been seen mating with the female. So with the males marking their territory and hopefully cubs on the way, let's hope this pride sticks around!

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 07-25-2020, 06:12 PM

http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40775-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-luke-street-11
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40777-a-day-in-the-life-of-game-ranger-chad-cocking-2
http://www.homeinspirations.co.za/index.php/282-gods-creation-in-the-wild/40779-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-game-ranger-by-chad-cocking-55

May - October 2019

Mbiri males attempt to take over vacated River pride and competition for it with nomadic Nharhu males part 2

13th September:

Later in the week, one of the Mbiri males joined them and was later joined by his brother, who just so happens to be nursing some pretty gnarly wounds again. This male just keeps finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are all of the opinion that he actually likes a bit of a scrap. Well that, and he seems to be a bit of a lady’s man – something which is bound to get you into trouble from time to time! He has had a good feed though and I am very sure he will be back to full health in just a couple of weeks. This is not the first time or the last time I am sure.

*This image is copyright of its original author

20th September:

The two Mbiri males appear to have spent the whole week in the company of the pride. With many of the water points having dried up in the early-spring heat, some of the only water in this pride’s territory is found to the south of our concession, which is what has kept them out of view. However, when they did return, the sixteen lions provided for the special sight that only sixteen growing lions can. It’s still such a treat to spend time in their presence, even if the cubs are getting more like adult lions with every passing week. The biggest shock for me was seeing the condition of the smaller Mbiri male; it wasn’t just his thin, gaunt appearance, it was the number of wounds that he picked up having clearly come across some neighbouring male lions while off mating with a lioness in the Klaserie. His legs were scratched up, and his face was reminiscent of his appearance last year when he got bitten in the head above his right eye. Fortunately, though, he is a warrior, and will no doubt recover from these superficial wounds that add even more character to his already scarred face.

*This image is copyright of its original author

27th September:

From the reports, the Mbiri males seem to have spent most of the week with them and haven’t once ventured back north to patrol their territory. Perhaps the fight that they were involved in two weeks ago has had far more ramifications than we initially thought.

Aftermatch:

Nharhu males taking advantage from damage made on Shaka Mbiri pressed even further south taking big hunk of Mbiri males territorry and secured River pride for themselfs.

Potato · 08-02-2020, 08:50 PM

https://www.leopardhills.com/blog/safari-lodge-general/the-end-of-an-era-and-a-sad-state-of-affairs/

January 2009

Tragic end of Sand River pride part 1

It is with a very heavy heart that I report to you the demise of the Sand River Pride.

Towards the end of last week we were notified that the Sand River Pride had broken out of the Reserve and were out in the Community Area adjacent to the Reserve. The information we were given was they had crossed out at a section of fence that had been washed away by the recent heavy rains. Immediately we had a sense of déjà vu, and remember clearly the shooting of seven member of the Sand River Pride three years ago having also broken out of the Reserve under very similar circumstances.

The law states quite clearly that if animals leave the protection of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, they then become the responsibility and jurisdiction of the Mpumalanga Park Board, who are the local Provincial Authority for the adjacent areas of the Reserve.

We fully understand that the protection of the Local Community is our utmost priority and ensuring their safety has to and will always come first, however I do not believe that these Lions were posing a direct threat, a broken fence and the smell of domestic live stock was just too much for them. In the past we have always been given a chance to intervene and utilize all resources available to us, to get the Pride back into the Reserve, and in the rare occasions that the Pride has broken out, there has never been a threat to human beings, albeit the occasional livestock has been taken, for which we have always paid substantial compensation. I am saddened to report to you that no such chance was given on this occasion, and in the same communication we received that the Lions had broken out of the Reserve, we were also informed that the entire Pride, the two adult females and their 5 sub adult offspring had been shot.

The news of this tragic event not only infuriated us beyond belief, it has left us saddened to the point of despair, as I for one, have had the privilege and joy, as have so many of you, to witness this beautiful Pride for so many years.

There is not too much more I can write, for once words have escaped me, and I have been left with a hollow feeling, as we all have, as I am sure we could have intervened and brought them home, at least we should have been given the chance to try.

We are conducting a full investigation at present, we need to ensure that something like this never happens again, but for the Sand River Pride it has become a situation of “closing the stable door after the horse has bolted”. In a heart beat we have lost an entire gene pool of a Pride that should right now, be roaming the bush along the banks of the Sand River.

Yes we have other Prides of Lions that frequent our Traversing area, but that is not the point, it is a case of not who’s right, but what’s right.

I leave you with some memories of the good times we have spent out in the bush with the “Late” Sand River Females and their offspring.

Thank you Marius for the use of your pictures in this article.

Regards from a very sad Leopard Hills Team

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 08-02-2020, 08:53 PM

https://www.leopardhills.com/blog/lodge-conservation/sand-river-pride/

Tragic end of Sand River pride part 2

In memory of a Great Pride.

As I read what had happened to the Sand River Pride, the tears flowed freely & I felt sick to my stomach…how could this happen? The people who are responsible for the death of these animals need to pay the price, justice needs to be done! Who do they think they are…they should not be in a position to make such decisions, especially in a government who is supposed to help protect the Wildlife of our country! These Lions could have been darted & brought back to the safety of the reserve. Those females fought so hard to protect those cubs & keep them alive only to meet their demise like that…it is not right! On too many occasions people get away with the murder of Wildlife & something needs to be done about it! I had the privelage of watching the cubs as they grew into the Beautiful males that they were…& my heart breaks at the thought of not seeing them again. My thoughts go out to you guys too as you have spent many more hours with them…you must be devastated!! I hope you don’t mind but I have uploaded a few pics of them…as a memory!

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 08-02-2020, 08:57 PM

https://www.leopardhills.com/blog/safari-lodge-general/sand-river-pride-continued/

January 2009

Tragic end of Sand River pride part 3

I have delayed writing this to allow my emotions to calm down after hearing of this tragic event.

After dwelling on this for several days it seems to me that the perpetrators of this crime, and it is a crime, do not care about the animals at all. They appear to know exactly what they are doing and fear no retribution. This is the 3rd time that I am aware of that this has happened in this area over the last few years. The original Sand River Pride was decimated a few years ago and now they have finished the job. In between we have had the shooting of Makwela’s cubs and no doubt she is very lucky to be alive. This seems to be a common theme throughout many parts of Africa. I have personally been to many places and have heard of similar attitudes and incidents in South Luangwa, Masai Mara, Namibia, Okavango Delta and other parts of South Africa and I have no doubt that other lodges up and down the Kruger have the same stories. I have often been told that 10 years ago there were roughly 200,000 wild lions in Africa and now there are roughly 20,000 (less 6). If these numbers are anywhere near correct (and I would love someone to confirm or deny them), then we have a real problem for the future of lions and no doubt other carnivores in Africa. If this sort of thing is happening at the same rate everywhere it is no wonder wild lions are being decimated. They have a hard enough time surviving without being shot.

My next thought is that over the last 10 years or so many of us have travelled to Africa donating money, clothes, sporting equipment educational tools etc. A case in point, I am heading back next week with my bags packed with items I will be giving to the local communities. Is this truly achieving what we all hope for and want? i.e. improved lives and education for the local people via benefits received because of the animals! If the above numbers are correct it would appear we are all kidding ourselves. A lot of people are getting a free ride on the lions back so to speak and obviously don‘t care about the animals that give them these benefits. No doubt we can argue about who really gets what and how much everyone gets but the bottom line is that without the animals no one gets anything at all. Personally I feel betrayed and I think the people responsible for these crimes need to be identified, shamed and their communities should miss out on any benefits for a period of time. We may then see the local community get involved and sort this out themselves. I can hear some people saying that we shouldn‘t tar everyone with the same brush but the silence is deafening from everyone except the people who actually pay the money i.e. us! Perhaps this silence does not reflect well on the local government and the local people? Guilt by association may be a big call but if we continue down this path there will be nothing left. I bet the silence will be over then!

I am not saying that this should form a definitive solution but it is time that this was put forward and the implications considered. It may be that these thoughts need to be incorporated as part of an overall solution but these animals must be protected one way or another and not be murdered with impunity.

My wife and I were lucky enough to visit Leopard Hills in Sept 2007 and would like to share our photos of the Sand River Pride

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 08-15-2020, 08:16 PM

https://www.andbeyond.com/impact/our-impact-platforms/lionscape-coalition/panthera-leo/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=lionscape-case-study-KK&fbclid=IwAR3j-idu2is2gJzjYcX2ibyQIlDIvbHRDw9JAOGxNXCAFlnlx0Kp089lJmk

The Sand River pride recent history

The Toulon reign
During the latter years of the Toulon males’ reign, the lionesses didn’t mate with the males – we can only assume that instinct told them it could be counterproductive as the Toulon males were getting old and would soon be overthrown by stronger male lions and the pride would simply lose the cubs later.

*This image is copyright of its original author

The Mantimahle reign
Enter the Mantimahle male lions, a coalition of 5 male lions who began extending their territory into our concession and took over the Sand River Pride. During this time the pride moved into the Kruger National Park, spending more time deeper within the new males’ territory where their cubs would be better protected. It would be 18 months before we saw the Sand River Pride again.

*This image is copyright of its original author

What do guides mostly talk about in discussions with one another?

We speak of sightings we dream of and lion dynamics we wish to unfold! We had been dreaming for ages of taking our guests to the east of our reserve and finding this pride of lions.

One morning, when exploring the far flung eastern reaches of the reserve we came upon a large number of lion tracks – males, lionesses, sub-adults, and cubs – their tracks covered the entire road. We spent a heart-racing 30 minutes tracking these lions – could this finally be the return of the Sand River Pride?

We suddenly heard impalas distress calling. Ahead of us, we noticed the back of male lion melting into the bushes nearby. As we returned with our guests in the safari vehicle, there they were – 20 lions! 5 male lions, 4 lionesses, and 12 cubs. The lions caught an impala ram as we arrived and we were awe-struck as they demolished their prize – ripping, growling, clambering, fighting and living up to all the hype and expectations that we guides had placed on them.

Exit the Mantimahle

In the months following, we saw the Sand River pride once every 3 weeks or so as the cubs grew old enough to travel longer distances, and the pride began to utilise their old territory on our concession. The Mantimahle males disappeared, never to be seen again. The lionesses of the pride all had cubs, and it would be at least a year before any could mate again.

Exposed and vulnerable

The Sand River Pride became an unlucky pride who got left behind as the adult males pursued new ventures.

The pride was now exposed with no dominant males. Males don’t only keep other male lions at bay, they also provide indirect protection whilst feeding at kills – hyenas are less likely (if not completely unlikely) to approach a carcass whilst male lions are nearby, as a larger lion could easily kill a hyena.

With only the lionesses to protect them, a few cubs perished. Then the two older lionesses (15 years of age) disappeared, leaving only two adults. Soon the pride had only two adults and nine sub-adult lions left (males and females). If only the lionesses could keep the pride away from male lions until the youngsters came of age but it was not to be.

Enter the Avoca

The Avoca male lions took over the Sand River Pride and chased all remaining sub-adult lions away leaving only two females – and so the once mighty Sand River Pride was diminished from its peak at twenty lions to a vulnerable pride of two.

*This image is copyright of its original author

A pride of two

With only two lionesses, it has been much harder for them to provide the reliable protection which the cubs would receive in a larger pride. As a result, only a single cub from one of the lioness’ litter of four has survived so far, and the other lost her entire litter.

However, there is a light on the horizon – one of the sub-adult lionesses has rejoined the pride, and the dominant males seem to be comfortable with her. This is fantastic news! The addition of another pride member will improve the protection afforded to any new litters of cubs, and if the lioness can bear cubs herself, she could help rebuild this once formidable pride of lions.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 09-02-2020, 08:32 PM

https://www.elephantplains.co.za/big-5-blog/2015/06/rangers-report-may-2015/

Mid 2015 - late 2016

Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 1

To makes following events clear first it requires to bring up following facts:

- In 2010 Majingilanes took over central Sabi sands from Mapogos and tookover following prides: Fourways, Styx, Tsalala and Sparta
- In 2012 Mhangeni pride formed up and went under controll of Majingilane males
- In early 2014 Majingilanes ousted salatis from western sector, taking over this arena for themselfs. From that point they fairly vacated all prides taken in 2010 and bassicly did not spent time with them anymore.
- In the edge of 2014 and 2015 Southern Matimbas moved to takeover vacated Styx pride and successed
- In late 2015 Birmingham males tookover Southern Matimba territorry with following prides: Nkuchuma, Torchwood and already Styx
- Southern Matimbas insteed of going nomadic went deeper into vacated by Majingilanes lands and tookover Tsalala pride
- Majingilanes even through did not spent time anymore on the arena tookover by them in 2010 still considered that arena as rightfully their and if some other coalition made attempt to takeover that arena, then Majingilanes were making effort to chasse them off and so they try it against Matimba males
- In mid 2015 Mhangeni famales came into heat again. They were moving through territorrys of both Matimba and Majingilanes coalitions. As both coalitions wanted those females for themselfs they became another factor which set those two coalitions on colision course.

May 2015:

With all this lion activity in the area something was bound to happen. The two young Styx males were roaring the one evening and that brought in the dominant males from different areas. The next morning it was chaos in the bush, as two of the Majingi male lions were chasing the two young Styx males around. The two Majingi males were still marching east when they were stopped dead in their tracks by two big roars from the east. The two Majingi males turned around and jogged back west, constantly looking over their shoulders, to make sure that no one was running after them. The two Matimba male lions were running from the east straight west after hearing the roars of the Majingi males. The two Matimba males left their females and their kill behind to run west and take on the Majingi males. The Matimba males pushed the Majingi males out of their own territory, which was a bit strange. The main question on everyone’s mind at this stage is for how long the Majingi male lions will remain dominant? The Matimba males also moved all the way to our open area in front of our lodge, scent marking and roaring. Usually the Majingi males would respond with a roar but there was nothing from them. Just silence…

*This image is copyright of its original author

Potato · 09-02-2020, 10:18 PM

https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/05/lion-warfare-matimba-male-arrives-on-londolozi/

Mid 2015 - late 2016

Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 2

5th September:

Lion Warfare: Matimba Male Arrives on Londolozi

Tracks in the dust. Roars on the night air. The Tsalala pride sniffing bushes where an unknown lion(s) had clearly passed by the night before. These were the only signs we previously had of the Matimba males’ presence on Londolozi. We knew they’d been here, but their tracks invariably crossed over our northern or eastern boundaries and the lions themselves were long gone. Three nights ago however, on a random evening drive, two of us were lucky enough to have a huge male lion with an enormous mane walk out of the darkness at us. It was one of the Matimba males, viewed for the first time on Londolozi.

There had been some exciting lion activity over the previous few days, with the Tsalala Pride being chased by the Styx males twice (more on this in a blog coming next week) and becoming separated, and the return of three of the Majingilane.

A chance to see the Majingilane is too good an opportunity to pass up, so ranger Dave Strachan and I jumped in a vehicle after dinner to see if we could find them again. Greg Pingo and Andrea Sithole had left them heading steadily south, not too far from camp, but it seems we were too late on the trail, as after scouring the area for awhile we had come up with no signs of them. Dave suggested we head a little further east, down towards the river, in the direction the Styx males and the Tsalala youngsters had been seen heading earlier that evening. If we couldn’t find the Majingilane, we’d settle for any other lions as a close second. As it turns out, it was an inspired suggestion.

The night was pitch black and windy. The impalas were nervous. Conditions were perfect for predators on the hunt.

We came down onto a prominent clearing not too far from camp, and all the spotlight revealed at first was some huddled groups of impala and wildebeest. A pitch black night is not a good time for prey animals to move about too much, as they can’t be sure what’s out there, particularly when it’s windy and their senses of smell become confused. As a result, the herbivores often find it prudent to sit tight and await the dawn. Driving up towards the crest, we saw a group of impala faintly illuminated in the headlight beam, running across the clearing. Thinking something may have spooked them, Dave swung the spotlight in that direction, but we only saw a lone wildebeest trotting along behind the impala. We presumed that in the darkness the impala had heard the wildebeest moving and had got a fright. How wrong we were, as from out behind a gwarrie bush walked one of the biggest male lions I have ever seen! Identifying individual lions or leopards in the beam of a spotlight can be slightly more difficult than in the day, as the light can play tricks on your eyes, but one thing was clear; neither Dave nor I had ever seen a lion with a mane so impressive. This was no Majingilane, nor was it a Styx, Fourways or Matshipiri male. Having heard of the Matimba male with the enormous mane, this was the only lion we thought it could be.

We followed him for a while, trying to capture some footage. He was moving steadily towards the river, but luckily for us was staying in the open. We looped ahead to wait for him and hopefully get a view of him walking straight towards us, and as we rounded a thicket about 60m ahead, we came across a herd of impala, as wary as any others we had seen that evening. Not wanting to influence events, we turned our lights off according to protocol and sat waiting. All was still for a few seconds, but something must have spooked the impala, for they began running uphill towards where the lion was approaching in the darkness. The sudden increase in hoofbeat volume accompanied by what can only be described as a strangled-off bleat and a thud told us that something had happened, so we switched on the spotlight and drove forward, to see the lion with a dead, fully-grown impala clamped firmly in his jaws, carrying it with no more difficulty than if it had been a newborn lamb. His immense strength must have made the impala’s death instantaneous, it was just the antelope’s bad luck that it, out of all its herd, was the one that happened to run pretty much straight into the lion’s jaws. The lion carried the carcass into a thicket and began feeding, his huge paws holding the body down while he ripped large chunks of meat off. We left him like that after about 45 minutes, still feeding. By morning he was gone.

How many times have the Matimba males, alone or together, wandered onto Londolozi in the dark of night and left again before we know anything about it? It is not uncommon for us to find tracks of male lions who we can’t immediately identify, and I think that, at least in our north-eastern areas, there’s a fair chance that some of them may be left by the Matimba males, performing a reconnaissance on fresh territory.

Will he/they be back? I think so…

Potato · 09-02-2020, 10:24 PM

https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/15/matimba-males-moving-through-londolozi/

Mid 2015 - late 2016

Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 3

September 15th:

Matimba Males Moving Through Londolozi

Just over a week ago we ran a post announcing the first sighting of one of the Matimba males on Londolozi. Since then both males have moved in as a pair, and the first thing they did was to kill a large buffalo bull next to the Sand River. This is over half a ton of bovine; a huge meal for only two lions, even though an adult male can consume almost 20 percent of his bodyweight in a single sitting!

The males fed for over three days. They were right next to a large pool in the river and therefore had easy access to drinking water, and the kill was made in a stand of tamboti trees, so the males were able to enjoy the shade through the heat of the day.

Magnificent males, both of the Matimbas show full manes, and together are an incredibly powerful unit. When male coalitions clash however, it can simply be a numbers game, and the five Birmingham males in the north are proving to be a problem…

*This image is copyright of its original author

[i]The male with the enormous mane, who some say is – unofficially – the biggest lion in the Sabi Sands, contemplates another bout of feeding on his buffalo carcass.[/i]
[i]

*This image is copyright of its original author

[/i]

Two nights ago they finished their kill, and their roars sounded throughout the evening, beginning before the sun had set and continuing on into the night. We heard them moving further and further west until their roars were just faint and distant rumbles. They had never been that far west before, as far as we knew.

The next morning (yesterday), reports were that two of the Majingilane and the two Matimba males were found lying up around 500 m from each other. Despite their enormous size, it was reported that the two Matimbas were reluctant to answer the challenging calls of the Majingilane pair. Perhaps they heard the rest of the Majingilane coalition further west and realised the great danger they would face in taking on four male lions.

Would the Matimbas advance, or would the Majingilane? If the Matimbas did advance, would the Majingilane retreat?

Enormous lower canines give an idea of just how big these males actually are. Photographed by Amy Attenborough

*This image is copyright of its original author

As the African dusk descended, the Matimbas ran.

There was no roaring from either side, but the rangers present think that the Matimbas may have heard some contact calling from the Majingilane, thought they were coming, and decided discretion was the better part of valour. The fact that they were looking behind them as they ran indicates that they certainly knew something was coming. Tracks from this morning conclusively showed that the Majingilane tailed the Matimba males all the way through our property, forcing them back east of our boundary and then retreating themselves back west.

Red line: Retreat of Matimba males last night, eventually crossed east of our boundary. Blue line: Following of Majingilane and eventual diverting, heading back west.

*This image is copyright of its original author

So that begs the next question; is the Matimba males’ presence here on Londolozi because of the Majingilane moving out, or are they being pushed here by the advancing Birmingham coalition from the north? Almost certainly a combination of the two in my opinion, but I’m sure there are other factors involved that we are unaware of. It’s difficult to have a serious one-on-one with a lion and ask him what’s really happening, as I’m sure you can appreciate.

My guess is the Matimbas are being pushed into a new area for the first time, and their movement into the west yesterday was merely a probe, testing how far this area extends and how far they can safely move without facing swift retribution from a dominant coalition. They came into contact with the Majingilane and realised they had pushed it too far, so retreated.

What happens next?…

Potato · 09-02-2020, 10:28 PM

https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/25/the-week-in-pictures-199/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQpfsJvdspw&feature=emb_logo

Mid 2015 - late 2016

Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 4

September 25th:

Another week has gone by and what an enthralling week it has turned out to be. The continued presence of the Matimba males on Londolozi has led to much debate amongst the team as to when, and if, these big brothers will be able to take control and officially set up their territory thus formally ousting the Styx, Matshipiri and Majingilane coalitions. Large cuts and open wounds were seen on one of the Matimba males a few days ago and we have now seen their tracks crossing over the western boundary in the direction of the settled and unassuming Majingilane coalition. What are the Matimba males doing venturing so far west remains the question. Are they actively pursuing the current territory holders in one last battle for dominance? We are yet to find out…

The hairy-bellied Matimba male lion mating with one of the mature Breakaway/ Mhangeni pride females:

*This image is copyright of its original author

Aclose up of the darker-maned Matimba male. He seems to be the more dominant of the brothers and tends to get mating rights first.

*This image is copyright of its original author

BA0701 · 09-03-2020, 03:44 AM

(09-02-2020, 10:28 PM)Potato Wrote: https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/25/the-week-in-pictures-199/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQpfsJvdspw&feature=emb_logo

Mid 2015 - late 2016

Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 4

September 25th:

Another week has gone by and what an enthralling week it has turned out to be. The continued presence of the Matimba males on Londolozi has led to much debate amongst the team as to when, and if, these big brothers will be able to take control and officially set up their territory thus formally ousting the Styx, Matshipiri and Majingilane coalitions. Large cuts and open wounds were seen on one of the Matimba males a few days ago and we have now seen their tracks crossing over the western boundary in the direction of the settled and unassuming Majingilane coalition. What are the Matimba males doing venturing so far west remains the question. Are they actively pursuing the current territory holders in one last battle for dominance? We are yet to find out…

The hairy-bellied Matimba male lion mating with one of the mature Breakaway/ Mhangeni pride females:

Aclose up of the darker-maned Matimba male. He seems to be the more dominant of the brothers and tends to get mating rights first.

HB looked great in that video, Matimbas were really coming into their prime during that time. So glad to see the old boy still hanging in there, he has lasted a long time by himself, since Ginger's passing.

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