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Lion tales
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 (09-03-2020, 03:44 AM)BA0701 Wrote:(09-02-2020, 10:28 PM)Potato Wrote: https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/25/the-week-in-pictures-199/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. In fact in 2015/2016 matimbas were 8/9 years old. They were in good shape but a quite old if we're talking of hey days in a male lion which usually the prime of a lion is for 2 years  (09-03-2020, 03:59 AM)TinoArmando Wrote:Yes indeed, thank you for that. Even more astonishing, when you think of it like that, that HB is still going as strong as he is.(09-03-2020, 03:44 AM)BA0701 Wrote:(09-02-2020, 10:28 PM)Potato Wrote: https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/25/the-week-in-pictures-199/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. (09-03-2020, 04:03 AM)BA0701 Wrote:He was very intelligent in his prime days.(09-03-2020, 03:59 AM)TinoArmando Wrote:Yes indeed, thank you for that. Even more astonishing, when you think of it like that, that HB is still going as strong as he is.(09-03-2020, 03:44 AM)BA0701 Wrote:(09-02-2020, 10:28 PM)Potato Wrote: https://blog.londolozi.com/2015/09/25/the-week-in-pictures-199/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. he knows when he need fight and when he doesn't. this is one of the reason why he is alive still at this age
Watching the Mbiri males see-saw in and out of power has also been extremely interesting it seems like a bit of a fall from grace for them as they once dominated a huge portion of the central and southern Timbavati. The first part of the year saw them defending their territory viciously against any intruder that set foot in their kingdom, however it seems like the comfort of a stable pride was all that the two males were looking for and in the last part of the year we witnessed them all but move out of their former stomping grounds sticking with the Myambula pride who make regular kills therefore providing meals not only for their cubs but for the 2 males as well. These days the males will make the odd appearance but with 3 new males known as the Nharhu males that have moved in they seem content to give up a large portion of their territory, perhaps one of the times that the Mbiri males returned and marked with the wounds of war the decision to relinquish territory to the 3 newcomers was made.
Photo credits: Greg McCall-Peat Umlani Bushcamp,Image Date Back: 2019  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/01/05/lion-warfare-majingilane-chase-matimbas-matimbas-chase-majingilane/
Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 5 January 5th: Lion Warfare: Majingilane Chase Matimbas, Matimbas Chase Majingilane! Last week saw an incredible sighting playing out on the marula crests north of the Londolozi camps. Garrett Fitzpatrick, ranger, Irishman and all-round good guy, was following up on lions roaring just over the hill. He and tracker Life Sibuyi found tracks at odds with the roaring, since they looked very fresh, yet the roaring was coming from a different direction to where the tracks were pointing. As they were off the vehicle working out their plan, more bellowing sounded from the clearing to their west. An animal vocalising is obviously a far more concrete and current reference point than tracks, so the pair shot off in that direction. Life was the first to spot a male lion moving quickly, trotting in fact, through the bushwillow thickets adjacent to the crest, and when a second male appeared nearby, also moving fast, Life and Garrett simply assumed it was the resident Matimba males. When a third male emerged onto the clearing, they knew something was up. Recognising the scarred nose of one of the males now forming up in a group and looking back the way they had come, Life exclaimed, “The Majingilane are back!” The scar-nosed and dark-maned Majingilane were inseparable when they ruled Londolozi. Their age is beginning to show these days…  *This image is copyright of its original author No sooner had he uttered these words than more roaring, definitely from two more males, burst forth from a few hundred metres back, further down the crest. This was the Matimba males, bellowing defiance at the intruding Majingilane. What took place over the next hour can only be described as a game of vocal ping-pong between the two coalitions. The Majingilane would roar and chase the Matimba males east through the clearings. They would then tire and begin spreading out. The Matimba males, looking behind them, would spot a weakness as one Majingilane became separated from the others. They would then turn and chase him back towards his coalition mates. Once regrouped, the Majingilane would once more give chase to the Matimbas. AMatimba male kicks up dust as he charges in.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Like boxers shadowing each other around the ring, the coalitions went back and forth. This is the scar-nosed Majingilane, running east with the Matimbas fleeing before him.[/i] [i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i]Back and forth this went for a long time, with each coalition hesitant to continue a chase to a point where actual physical contact was inevitable. There was a lot of chest beating but not a lot of follow-through. At one point the scar-nose Majingilane, salivating heavily and roaring, was barely thirty metres behind the fleeing Matimba males. They realised he was isolated though and turned to confront him, at which point he turned yet again and retreated. Eventually both groups of males were too exhausted to pursue each other further, and they lay down a few hundred metres apart, panting heavily. On multiple occasions we have found tracks of the Majingilane crossing back onto Londolozi then disappearing back into the west, but all the movement has invariably been in the darkest hours of the night, and no-one has born witness to what actually transpired. Now, however, we are left to wonder; how many times has this scene played out with nobody present? Majingilane chasing Matimba males who then chase the Majingilane… It’s like the old adage about a tree falling in the forest and no-one being around to hear it. The Matimba coalition (“Matimba” means “power” in Shangaan) give one final roar of defiance before exhaustion set in and both coalitions settled down to rest in an uneasy truce.  *This image is copyright of its original author I suppose two ageing coalitions that are both at a stage in their lives in which they are looking to do little more than consolidate territory cannot afford to be taking unnecessary risks. Nothing was really at stake here. It was simply a case of firm territorial lines being drawn in the sand. Thankfully for both groups of males, the lines weren’t drawn in blood. (09-03-2020, 11:47 PM)Potato Wrote: https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/01/05/lion-warfare-majingilane-chase-matimbas-matimbas-chase-majingilane/I love reading these old, newly found stories. It breathes life into all of this, and brings us closer to these animals we admire so much. Thank you for sharing this! Have to admit, this one made me laugh a few times with the back and forth. Hopefully one of these days I will get to witness some interactions such as this in person.
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/01/25/lion-update-coalition-collision-course/
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/01/22/the-week-in-pictures-215/ Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 6 January 25th: Lion Update: Coalition Collision Course It has been four weeks since 2015 closed off with the epic coalition standoff between the Majingilane-three and Matimba-two. The clash of mighty figures left all wondering what would change – if anything – regarding territories and overall pride movements. Despite no physical contact taking place that morning, a powerful exchange of information occurred; now each coalition knows more about the other as their overwhelming presence was shared. Famously, Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War that, “If you know the enemy and yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat”. Although the Majingilane coalition has heard the Matimba’s roars for nearly a year already, it may only be now that the two forces have interacted and seen one another that proper sizing up could take place and a further physical confronttation develop. In four weeks, however, no such showdown has come to light. December’s back and forth fades to an end as the three Majingilane males retreat westward, panting and salivating as they go. None have returned to Londolozi, yet.  *This image is copyright of its original author Last year’s back and forth left the two coalitions utterly exhausted. The distance and frequency of each chase, whether by Majingilane or Matimba males, was somewhat unbelievable and involved hugely impressive feats of physicality. Each coalition ran the other and themselves into the ground and were left utterly breathless. While still vocalising, both coalitions spent a few days retreating slightly, and have since spent their time as follows: The two Matimba males initially remained close to the Sand River and eventually moved further south into an area less frequented by them in the past few months. Both males tracked down and joined a small portion of the Mhangeni pride, who they had not interacted with often, far from Mhangeni territory. It’s believed that in an effort to protect the sub-adults in the pride, some Mhangeni lionesses led them (the sub-adults) from the area and together fled from the Matimba’s back into the west; an tactical act of experience for such a newly established pride. What followed was some courtship and mating behaviour between the remaining two Mhangeni lionesses and the two Matimba males, however, this could have been a display of false-oestrus in an attempt to distract the males from searching for the rest of the pride. Again, an impressive example of a lioness’ natural instinct to protect her pride. Woken from a cool rest, one of the Matimba males and a Mhangeni lioness partake in a courtship dance prior to mating.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Evening sets in while one of the Matimba males begins another feed on the carcass, while the other male and two Mhangeni lionesses remain asleep.[/i] [i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i][i][i]After a Mhangeni lioness leaves the carcass for a drink, one of the Matimba males analyses her scent by use of a flehmen grimace, evidently believing her to be in oestrus.[/i][/i] [i][i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i][/i]During this time, the four shared in a huge Buffalo bull which they had pulled down in the dark of night, feeding them for nearly a week. Upon leaving the carcass to the patiently waiting hyenas, vultures and jackals, two of the Tsalala lionesses chased away those two of the Mhangeni pride, and the Matimba’s were left searching again, believing they had a chance to mate. Two nights ago, they seemed to have caught up with one of them on her way back west to her pride, causing her to remain with them again, not wanting to lead them to the rest. There was no sign of the second lioness or the Tsalala pride. Early morning glow illuminates a content Matimba male; after a huge feed and managing to retrace a single Mhangeni lioness with the other male close by. These guys seem in control.  *This image is copyright of its original author The three Majingilane males, on the other hand, returned into the far western sector very quickly, after spending some time in the north of Singita while the fourth male (who was not present for the 2015 standoff) enjoyed a Kudu carcass all to himself. By mid-January, all four were reunited around Leopard Hills. They spent the next ten days patrolling and bringing down buffalo together while slowly moving through Dulini, Exeter and other properties. Their general direction seems to be slowly back east and it has been a long time since all four have dropped anchor on Londolozi. Their territory is secure to the west and pushing back east may only be a matter of pride (pun intended). Could this be the start of a calculated retaliation? The already-aged Majingilane coalition has achieved almost unprecedented success in the Sabi Sands since 2010 and last month they showed that even three-strong they are not willing to stand down. But still no blood has been shed; often an necessity in coalition takeovers. May they only be willing to come into contact with the Matimba’s in one, full-strength attack? Sceptics say that both coalitions are past their younger years of fighting and would prefer a shouting bout, but some foresee a premeditated battle for glory. Either way, the two Matimba males are progressively widening their grasp on central Londolozi and some of its prides. Will the mighty Majingilane males regroup, disperse, hold on to what they have or ultimately solidify their reputation once and for all? Distant thunderstorms are gathering. An impressive interaction between the two Matimba males and the Majingilane coalition took place recently. Here, three of the Majingilane brothers stride purposefully through their old territory.  *This image is copyright of its original author
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/02/22/lion-update-a-close-call-for-the-matimba-coalition/
Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 7 February 22th: Lion Update: A Close Call for the Matimba Coalition The ever-changing lion dynamics within the Sabi Sands continues to intrigue. Now, however, potential changes and unseen events have furthered that intrigue and interest into mystery and unanswered questions. The Matimba coalition of two have undergone unexplained movements lately and may therefore be at a tipping point. Will they continue to dominate central Londolozi or crumble under surrounding pressures? As has been the unorthodox “normal” since late 2015 the two Matimba males have secured the central region of Londolozi, a relatively small territory, but interacting with both the Tsalala and Mhangeni prides nonetheless. Since the stand-off and reciprocal chasing between them and three of the Majingilane males in late December the anticipated attack and/or retaliation never materialised. But there could be a new threat to their east which they had not been prepared for. Throughout the majority of their tenure on Londolozi the Matimba males have remained within close proximity to one another; a smart move at the start of a reign. Even while one male has been mating with a lioness (often an extended period of time) the other male placed himself within earshot of the temporary pair, highlighting the tight bond shared between the two males. With Majingilane presence to their west the outnumbered Matimba males need to be ready at all times. Despite their diligence, it seems the coalition has been caught off guard from unknown pressures in the opposite direction. Two weeks ago the two Matimba males were seen patrolling central Londolozi and the southern bank of the Sand River, with no sign of Majingilane roars to their west. That night, however, the keen and experienced ears of tracker, Judas Ngomane caught what he was sure were the distant sounds of fighting lions further downstream. Nothing could be found the following morning and theories developed. That was February 8th, and only a few days went by before the dark-maned Matimba male was found much further into the northern section of Londolozi, unscathed. His beautifully long and extensive mane and dark coat was in as good condition as always, but there was no sign of the other male. Our search continued for twelve more days, with the dark-maned male returning to his usual movements around central Londolozi, including joining up with a portion of the Tsalala pride for a few days and sharing in their Kudu carcass, with solitary, intermittent calling during night time. The theories regarding the missing male continued to grow. The missing Matimba male was the “blonder” of the two. Despite a less impressive mane, he boasts a powerful body and high level of confidence. This was taken two months ago.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Another photograph from late 2015 reveals his menacing expression and unshakable character. Note the lack of significant scarring on his face…[/i] [i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i]It was only two days ago, February 20th, that he emerged. That morning, the dark-maned male had been left resting nearby to two Tsalala lionesses in the Manyalethi riverbed but was not present in the afternoon. Determined trackers managed to find him at sunset closer to the Sand River, to where he had followed the quiet contact calls of the missing male and the two lay close together at night fell; later their combined roars could be heard from camp during dinner. Rangers and Trackers alike were surprised to hear of his return and the coalition’s reunion, but the separation never came without a price. Signs of a near fatal conflict are evident and it seems the male is extremely lucky to not only have survived the attack but to have remained alive since. He may have cheated death even further by escaping any long-term injury, particularly spinal damage, and thus managed to make his way back towards central Londolozi and find his brother. Despite looking thin and badly hurt, he sports only superficial injuries with the exception of a typical “kill bite” (seen in male lion conflicts) around the lower back; it is still unclear whether the spine is only swollen or internal damage has occurred. The latter now seems less likely as yesterday the two males covered an impressive distance upstream to join a single Mhangeni lioness on a buffalo carcass, chasing away the younger sub-adult of that pride. With a full stomach the injured Matimba male has a much greater chance of recovery, and with the other male by his side he may crawl out of the proverbial grave. Currently: his forehead and surrounding areas are littered with gashes and do show swelling, while an older wound on his paw has reopened. Prior to feeding on the buffalo carcass his hunger was evident; see sagging midsection and protruding hip.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Most worrying was the damage to his spine, which now seems insignificant after he has shown good mobility. The attempted kill bite left behind a deep puncture wound, though.[/i]  *This image is copyright of its original author As those deathly sounds two weeks ago were heard in the distance to the east and echoing from the Sand River, the interaction went unseen and subsequent viewing of the area was impossible. As such, it is not known who (or how many) inflicted the damage to the powerful male or where the other Matimba male was at the time. As we have seen, the two are aware of Majingilane pressure to their west and may only have stood down to their challenge eight weeks ago as they were outnumbered by one. This happened far away from any Majingilane presence, though. The young but already infamous Birmingham males from the northern Sabi Sands have occasionally ventured down into north-eastern Londolozi, several strong. The two fierce Matshipiri males spend most of their time much further south with the remaining Sparta pride lionesses. There is a single unknown male whose fairly nomadic nature causes him to temporarily appear amongst all of this chaos, but him alone could not have done enough damage to the strong Matimba male. Perhaps two or three of the Birmingham males had caught him off guard as they explored closer to Londolozi while the dark-maned male was out of sight. If this is the case, leaving their victim injured but still alive may have been a mistake. As we have seen with many lions in nature, flesh wounds which are consistently licked and groomed have an impressive likelihood of healing. Lions seem to beat the odds against septicemia and make full recoveries from most wounds, but face danger from internal injuries and spinal damage. The next few weeks will reveal the extent of his injuries, but for now the coalition has reunited and is partaking in a crucial feed. Will one male’s fight for life secure the Matimba presence and prepare them for further expansion? The resilience of these big cats continues to astonish. Also from the comment section comment from safari guide Sean Cresswell: Hi Blair, yes both Matshipiri males have been in the Sand River for the majority of the year, only leaving its banks for a couple of days at a time. However, they have spent most of their time further downstream (close to 10km downstream) from where the two Matimba males have been territorial; hardly any previous contact between the two coalitions is the result. From where the ginger/blonder male disappeared, it is equal distant to where the Matshipiri males were (on the 8th) and to Nkoro Lodge (in the opposite direction) and northern Mala Mala where three Birmingham males were found on the morning of the 9th, around 5km in either direction. The day before, five Birmingham males were on Nkoro, and all five only reunited on the 10th, again in that region; two were therefore unaccounted for from 8 – 10 February. As there were no confirmed sightings of all Birmingham males or the Matshipiri males over that short time it could have been either coalition moving through the region in question. Whichever it was, it would have been a reach out of their usual movements and into Matimba territory which is what makes it so interesting.
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/02/24/lion-warfare-update-majingilane-versus-matimba/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDRe4TkQK54&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=KhimbiniWILDLIFEMoments Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 8 24th of February: Lion Warfare Update: Majingilane versus Matimba Just two days ago, Sean Cresswell posted about the re-emergence of a badly injured Matimba male lion. It posed the question; where had this male been and who did he fight with? Although we can only surmise, it really is an interesting exercise to attempt to piece together what happened. Since then though, there have been further developments in the saga and this time we are sure of the culprits. The lighter-maned Matimba male. This male seems to have been in a few battles of late and physically he is not in his prime.  *This image is copyright of its original author On the evening of the 22nd February, the Matimba males were seen quite far west of their territory and roaring with a Mhangeni lioness, in Majingilane territory. This was an incredibly brave (or foolhardy) move, given the fact that one of the males was already injured and had just come out of a fight. The males roared while moving eastwards throughout the evening, and by about 10pm, the Matimba males were calling around the Londolozi camps, in the core of their territory once more. Although the Majingilane give us the impression that they have been prepared to cede their previously held territory around the Londolozi camps, its seems the calls of the Matimba’s in their territory earlier in the evening was just too much to bare. The result: two of the Majingilane coalition came east to seek the newer males out. AMatimba male picks up on scents being carried in the wind. On the evening of the 22nd February, these two brothers were seen calling on Singita’s property, in the heart of Majingilane territory. Photograph by Amy Attenborough  *This image is copyright of its original author The fight must have occurred very late that evening or in the early hours of the morning but what we have been left with is a fairly clear outline of what happened and who came out of it as the victors. On the morning of the 23rd, ranger Don Heyneke and tracker Lucky Shabangu found tracks just north of the Sand River, opposite the Londolozi camps that suggest that is where the big fight happened. Pieces of mane, blood, deep claw gouges in the ground as well as faeces litter the area. We don’t know which of the Matimba males were caught in this fight (possibly both) but when this coalition was found the next morning they were very far apart from one another. The blonder-maned Matimba male was eventually found in the south east of Londolozi, right on our eastern boundary and certainly not within their established territory. Although he is still carrying the scars of his last fight, it seems he has no new injuries and because he has been able to move that far, it seems his mobility is decent. The wound on his back is leaking quite profusely but these animals are incredibly tough and the fact that he is covering such large distances really is good news for the Matimbas. His current position, knowingly or unknowingly, is relatively close to where the Matshipiri males have been spending a majority of their time and this male would be wise to avoid calling or scent marking in this area. This green mark shows where the lighter-maned male was found on the morning of the 23rd, far from his territory around the camps and precariously close to Matshipiri held territory.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Aphotograph of the lighter-maned Matimba male’s most recent wound. Since then this wound is weeping more profusely but he is lucky that the bite missed the spine completely and there is a very good chance that this wound won’t hinder his movements. Photograph by Sean Cresswell[/i] [i] *This image is copyright of its original author [/i][i][i]Aclose up of the face of the lighter-maned Matimba male. His face is certainly more battle-scarred and wounded than it was a few short months ago. Photograph by Don Heyneke[/i][/i] [i][i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i][/i]The darker-maned Matimba male, however, was many kilometers away from his brother on the morning of the 23rd. He was found around the south western portion of Londolozi, lying about 300m from the Majingilane and not looking in a good state. Externally he didn’t seem to be carrying any major wounds from what we could see and he only seemed to have a wound on his paw. However, he was struggling to stand. When rangers saw him in the morning, he rocked and struggled before managing to get to his feet, gingerly walked a few paces before lying down once more. Whether this was from sheer exhaustion, stiffness from the previous evening’s forays or some internal damage, we can’t be sure but this male had certainly found himself in a precarious position. The two Majingilane males were resting up just to his north and looking strong and fit physically. They didn’t seem to have any injuries and rangers and guests were anxious to see what the evening of the 23rd would bring. The bottom pink maker represents where the Matimba male was resting during the day and the top, northern marker represents the Majingilane.  *This image is copyright of its original author Then almost by the book, the Majingilane started to get moving last night once the cover of darkness descended, and they began heading straight in the direction of the unsuspecting dark-maned Matimba male. As the distance between the coalitions lessened, the vehicles switched their lights off, thereby allowing the Matimba male to see the threat coming and so as to not give his position away. The Matimba male saw the two Majingilane brothers first and he leapt up and silently slunk away into the darkness (he was moving easily by this point and it seemed that if there were any injuries, they weren’t severe at all). What happened from here can really only be described as pandemonium. As soon as the two Majingilane smelt him they took off in his direction, the dark-maned Majingilane seeing him first and the male with the scar nose following just behind. The Matimba male disappeared at full speed and from here the Majingilane ran in circles trying to establish where he had gone. The roaring was continuous. The noise must have attracted the attention of the other two Majingilane brothers and they came from the west to join the fray. It was now four Majingilane versus one Matimba. The four Majingilane together in front of Varty Camp. This photograph is from 2013 when we used to see the four males here more regularly. Last night was one of the first times the four have been together on Londolozi in quite some time. Photograph by James Tyrrell  *This image is copyright of its original author Knowing full well that he didn’t stand a chance against such a force, the Matimba male desperately tried to elude the four brothers. For the next hour or so he managed to dodge them by looping in ever-widening circles and constantly changing direction whenever he heard them call. After losing sight of him, the Majingilane patrolled the area, sniffing, roaring and scent marking. After about an hour of zig-zagging, it seemed the Matimba male had finally lost his pursuers and he headed silently and swiftly south. He would stop regularly, turn and listen intently to the north to try to establish the position of the threat before turning and moving south again. We eventually left him around the deep south west; an area that him and his brother have been seen in once before but very far from where they are used to spending their days. The pink marker represents where we eventually left the Matimba male still heading south and the red marker represents where Don and Lucky had the tracks of a fight on the morning of the 23rd.  *This image is copyright of its original author As of this morning, all four Majingilane brothers were found back in the west, in the heart of their territory and seemingly unscathed. The two Matimbas were not found and we are sure that they are both hiding out in the south, attempting to find each other, licking their wounds and figuring out their next move. After what is now two battles won for the Majingilane, will the Matimba coalition attempt to face off their opponents again or will they learn from previous mistakes and steer clear? It seems, once again, that we will have to wait and see… Golden mane (Three tooth) of Majingelane male lions cleaning minor battle wounds after a fight with Matimba males of which they( Four Majingilane) won the fight against two Matimbas few days ago:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDDAiTxu-NK/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KUeFeOUSgo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3WFXnpi5JEBmz22XsdVfIQku_34fA19xKvYF6efb1-BfjULQNpYZbS3Ws&ab_channel=KhimbiniWILDLIFEMoments https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/03/25/the-week-in-pictures-224/#comment-1248968 Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 9 March: The Majingilane came roaring back onto Londolozi last night, and the sounds of them fighting with the Matimba coalition reverberated through the darkness at 4am this morning, not far from camp. As it stands, three of the Majingilane are currently on the Londolozi airstrip whilst the Matimba males appear to have retreated into the Sand River. How long until the Matimba males' tenuous hold on the area breaks? our guess is that the Majingilane will simply head back west this evening. That is generally what they have done after previous altercations. Tufts of mane and a pool of blood were found at the scene of the fight this morning so it must have been quite a scrap! The majingelane male have been in yet another fight with Matimba males. The videos and pictures were shot on the 22 march 2016 few days after the fight,it shows three of the four males nursing the wounds. Dark mane have few scratch marks, a deep wound on his lips and chin and is limping a little. Golden mane have wound on his flank and Scarnose have very little scratches on him. Filmed on March 22, 2016: By safari guide Sean Cresswell: Hi Chris. Thank you for your comment, but believe otherwise. Although the two Matimba males were separated by quite a distance for several days following the Majingilane’s arrival, tracks indicated that they were together at the start of the night and during the encounter. In previous sightings involving a convergence of the two coalitions we have observed the clear determination and eagerness to attack by dark maned Majingilane; often seeing him leave the other two behind as he chases towards Matimba’s. Tracks indicated that one lion had been mauled severely before the Matimba split occurred. Therefore, dark maned Majingilane must have caught up to slowly fleeing Matimba’s, who saw him alone and both attacked for a brief time before the second and third Majingilane males caught up. This would’ve been enough time to inflict the injuries to him. Secondary injuries to another Majingilane male would have happened soon thereafter and the fight which progressed could have split the Matimba’s while the Majingilane regrouped. Two of the three had superficial injuries. Hipscar Majingilane male was not present at all, and we believe there isn’t a connection between Matimba males and Othawa pride as they have not come near to contacting each other recently.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/05/05/lion-update-continued-majingilane-surveillance/
Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 10 May: Lion Update: Continued Majingilane Surveillance The Majingilane are back in the spotlight. Have they ever not been? Taking appreciation for everything else is important, but when male lions step up to the plate the whole world seems to stand still. The prolonged and ongoing battle between the Majingilane and Matimba coalitions is doing anything but cooling down. Despite long periods of time between interactions, the two mighty forces continue to keep up their guards as tensions rise. Initially, the two Matimba males took strain from not only the Majingilane males but other surrounding forces; one of the two almost fell before clawing his way back to the security of his brother. The coalition had a second chance. After many vocal and endurance wars with the Majingilane males, the first physical contact saw another almost fatal encounter for one the Matimba coalition. If the Majingilane males managed to find them during the nights following that encounter we strongly suspect they would have finished at least one of them off. But the tables did turn thereafter, as late March saw the Matimba males stand up to a storming Majingilane coalition, evidently singling out perhaps an over-confident dark-maned Majingilane male and inflicting injuries on him, before the arrival of his two brothers who split up the underdogs. Although the Matimba males retreated from the three Majingilane males that night, their mark had been left on at least two of the older and more experienced attackers, who slowly pulled back into the heart of their territory in the west. Both Matimba males are looking well and have healed recently, and with the added responsibility of protecting their cubs born into the Tsalala Pride the two males are finally starting to show promise of expanding their territory. Leading the invasion as always is the Dark Maned Majingilane male… Looking timeless.  *This image is copyright of its original author Three of them were found moments before sunrise, strategically perched on a high crest with all ears and eyes honed in towards central Londolozi where the Matimba males usually roar from. All three were in seemingly good condition despite their advancing age, and the ground shook when they boomed out minutes of continual roaring. Immediately a response came from the far north-east. All three necks snapped around to listen; it was only this reaction which encouraged us to listen carefully and hear the distant roars ourselves. All three were suddenly up and moving in that direction in unison. Perhaps the calls which they were responding to were those of the tailless female of the Tsalala Pride, who was beyond our boundary and that of the traditional Tsalala territory since the arrival of the Matimba males last year. The Matimba males themselves were nowhere to be found on this day and did not respond to the Majingilane challenge… Fear or absence? It is unclear, as they did have the bigger punch in the previous encounter. The Scar Nose Majingilane is second in the procession, the three keep to a straight line through thickets and across clearings.  *This image is copyright of its original author [i]Contrary to the talk of the bushveld, the Hip Scar Majingilane male looks as well as ever, bearing scars from the past and a moving with a menacing stride.[/i] [i]  *This image is copyright of its original author [/i]The marching Majingilane males never reached their tailless female nor did they find the Matimba males, as an opportunity for a meal presented itself. As has been so often the case, the dark maned male led the march, and spotted a lone impala ram in the thickets. The coalition proved once more that they are not a spent force as they caught and devoured their prey in a matter of minutes. A mere snack for the three beasts. By then the day was hot and shade caught their fancy. They rested before another night of vocally laying down the challenge and then returning back west. Only now after their departure have the Matimba males returned to their usual areas around the Sand River either side of camp. The Majingilane’s recent presence was very evident to them, and the Matimbas’ absence during those 36 hours could have led to the death of their new cubs. They’ve managed to get away with their poor showing. This time.  *This image is copyright of its original author Perhaps next time they will be present, and the return of the ageless Majingilane three will culminate into an unavoidable brawl. With both coalitions having landed strikes to the other, the match is still evenly balanced. With cooler mornings on the horizon and an opportunity to remain energetic well into the day, what will early winter bring?
https://blog.londolozi.com/2016/07/16/lion-warfare-whos-chasing-who/
Mid 2015 - late 2016 Southern Matimbas vs Majingilanes warfare part 11 July: Lion Warfare: Who’s Chasing Who? As mentioned a few days ago in an update on the Mhangeni pride, no-one can really predict with any amount of certainty what is going to happen from one day to the next. One of the hot topics of debate is exactly what would happen in a Matimba vs Majingilane clash, should a proper one ever occur. We have seen the two coalitions roar back and forth and chase each other, but there has yet to be a sighting of actual physical conflict, although we are certain that they have made proper contact before. Blood in the road and bits of mane, as well as a badly cut up Matimba male were sure signs that the two groups had met on at least a couple of occasions. So far, what we have generally seen is a retreat by the Matimbas, but having said that, it is only fair to mention that that has been when the Majingilane have made a show in force, by venturing east with at least three of their number. The latest encounter was different. Rangers heard roaring near Londolozi’s western boundary, an area one of the Matimba males had been seen in the day before, and it was naturally assumed that it was the same lion(s) vocalising. Ranger Greg Pingo and tracker Equalizer Ndlovu caught sight of a male lion moving quickly through a rocky section, sniffing around and bellowing continuously. As he was shortly afterwards joined by a second male, both Greg and Equalizer presumed it to be the Matimba males, chasing the Mhangeni sub-adult males. This was by far the most likely scenario. It wasn’t long though before Greg gave a further update, that these were in fact the scar-nose and dark maned males of the Majingilane. Both were roaring all the time, and they were clearly on the scent of other males. No answering roars were forthcoming, and the Majingilane pair began moving east, into Matimba territory. All of a sudden from up on the crest came the roar of two more male lions. On the spot and without hesitation, both Majingilane turned and began moving quickly back westwards, not deigning to roar again. The duo of the Matimba males answering back was enough to deter two of a once mighty brotherhood.  *This image is copyright of its original author Last year we ran a post on a sighting in which two of the Majingilane chased one of the Matshipiri males off a wildebeest kill, pursuing him for a long way. As soon as that first Mathsipiri male met up with the second, a few kilometres away, and they roared back in unison, the two Majingilane quietly turned and hastened back westwards, without roaring again. It appears as though history has repeated itself, in that on this occasion, as soon as the Majingilane sensed that they no longer had the upper hand, they disdained an encounter. Two vs. two weren’t odds they fancied. Coming from a coalition of four, in which numerical superiority has always been their strong point, such an approach makes perfect sense. “Pick your battles” would seem to be the mantra of the Majingilane, and so far it seems to be keeping them going.
Majingilane - Selatis - Mapogos - Nkuhuma males (Sizanani and brother) - Othawa males Mapogo sons on a fight with the Nkuhuma males.
Lion Warfare: Autumn 2012 A few weeks ago the four members of the Southern Coalition launched a successful attack on the remaining members of the Mapogo Coalition. This attack left the infamous Mr T (aka Satan) dead and last two remaining Mapogo members fleeing for their lives. The demise of this king has left many a question mark as to the movements of the various lion prides and males in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and how these dynamics will play out in the weeks and months to come. It is now obvious that a domino effect is rippling through the Sabi Sands and surrounding reserves. Individual lions are on edge and the tension and anticipation of the next event is building, both amongst the lion and human population. We are in the midst of yet another changing of the guard. As it stands the remaining two Mapogo Males appear to have thrown in the towel on their old domain and have run south facing pressure from the Majingilane Coalition, the Southern Coalition and the KNP Males. Sightings of these aging males are occurring throughout the south and occasionally central areas of Londolozi, whilst the aspiring Southern Coalition appear to have claimed the entire western section of the Sabi Sands. As the winter draws closer, we can only conjure up guesses as to how this new territorial dominance will shape up and what sequence of events will unfold next, particularly after the Mapogos run in with the Majingilane and KNP Males over this past weekend. Here is my theory as to what may transpire in the coming weeks leading up to Winter at Londolozi… The two prides that occupy the western areas; namely the Castleton (Ximungwe) and Othawa Prides are destined to be ruled by the four Southern Males. Both these prides currently have cubs sired by Mapogo, a potentially sad reality should the Southern Coalition kill them in order to restart the oestrus cycle of the lionesses. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before we see the males catch and kill these cubs, wiping out any further trace of the Mapogo bloodline. I would not be surprised if we see four deaths in each pride before the spring. The lionesses however, will not let these lives be lost without a fight! Already I have heard rumours that the four strong lionesses from the Castleton Pride have managed to beat off one of the males who came too close. If the Southern Males thought that they had an easy ride ahead then they were wrong. I feel that the four Majingilane Males are a more solid entity now more than ever before. Of late I have seen them working powerfully as a team and attempting to sire yet more cubs into the Sparta Pride. They currently control four prides (Fourways, Styx, Sparta and Tsalala) and patrol an area roughly 15 000 – 20 000 hectares in size. Their strange relationship with the core of the Tsalala Pride still leaves many a question as to their dominance north of the Sand River: an area which the ever-growing six Matimba Males will observe with a glint in their eye. Despite this, I do not predict much movement between these two forces. I feel that with so much land, both coalitions will be content, for now at least, to populate their prides and avoid any unnecessary violent encouters. I do however expect Majingilane to spend an increasing amount of time on their western boundary, in an attempt to curb any Southern Coalition movement towards Londolozi. The two Nkahuma Males and the two Othawa sub-adults continue to run the gauntlet. I can not see any place for these two small coalitions. My gut tells me that we will see a death taking place in one of these two groups. These males, all born in 2007, simply will not be able to counter an attack by either Southern, Majingilane, Mapogo or Matimba claw. The two Othawa sub-adults are at this stage, the only sons of Mapogo lineage to have reached independence. It is for this reason that I am secretly hoping they can pull through. Perhaps a wise move for them would be a sprint east into the Kruger National Park and beyond. That leaves the two remaining Mapogo Males, referred to by many as Bent-Spine and Makulu. I fear that they are in trouble. In my opinion they wont risk another run in with Southern Males. If the Majingilane stick together as four than they are simply too strong. Years are not going to be kind on these surviving two. So this leaves them with south. The southern areas are currently patrolled by two exceptionally strong males called the Kruger Males. If it came to a two on two battle I would place my money on the Kruger Males. And this is where I feel the final battle ground and resting place of the legendary Mapogo may lie. My guess is that the death of both Mapogos will take place in the winter time, and sooner rather than later… This mornings numerous lion sightings confirm that things are heading on a collision course. All four Majingilane Males were accounted for, as were the Sparta Pride females. One Mapogo male was seen feeding on a waterbuck with an unknown lioness and then two unknown males (possibly the KNP males) were seen together with four lionesses. Every drive is unpredictable and offers the opportunity for the story of lion warfare to unfold! I know I have placed a pretty grim look on the chessboard of the Sabi Sands, but that is how I see it playing out. It may not be as rapid as I predict but in the bush veld time marches to the beat of its own drum. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on my predictions and if you have any opinions of your own. Please let me know in the comments section below. Written by Adam Bannister 
3 OLD SAND RIVER MALES:
 *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author These beasts where dominant in area around Skukuza from around 2007(?) and where pride males of Sand River pride all the way to around 2010/11 when they moved deeper into Kruger and takeover Renosterkoppies pride, where they sired Renosterkoppies males and prob many more of which we dont know of.. Its unknown what happened to them after that but prob age caught them.. From rangers words they where very big lions with massive manes as we can see.. OLD SKUKUZA MALES: Photo from 2009:  *This image is copyright of its original author Dominant around Skukuza at the same time as Old Sand River males, they where dominant over Skukuza/Hilda's Rock pride, apparently they where 3 of them at the beggining, but after 2010 only 1 was seen with the pride, later on around 2012 he was apperantly killed by Toulon males..  *This image is copyright of its original author They sired 2 litter of males in Skukuza/Hilda's Rock pride, 3 males born in 2008 (later known as Sand River males) and 4 males born in 2010 (4 Skukuza males, later to be known as Kumana males). Theres not much photos of them, but i found photos of this male around Skukuza in 2010, i think its one of the Old Skukuza males:  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author It looks like he is the one who sired 3 Sand River males:  *This image is copyright of its original author Theres very little info of this lions to be found, if anyone has some info, knowledge or photos of them pls share..
Majingilane/Manyelethi males early days
Eyrefield pride and five male lions – 5 September 2009 Lions were seen walking quickly east from River Road, Flockfield lookout junction in the early morning, rangers followed up and the scene unfolded before them. The lions that were spotted from the road were five young male lions aged between three and a half and five years old. As vehicles approached they quickly moved off, shy of the vehicles the males kept us at a distance but were more intent on the buffalo carcass soon discovered. The Eyrefield pride were then found scattering from the carcass as the males approached. The males rushed in to claim the prize, that of a fully intact Dugga boy. The Eyrefield pride and the Rollercoaster male regrouped close to the river and made a push back to try and claim their carcass. The young males were having none of this and charged the pride, sending the Eyrefield lions scattering in all directions the males continued to feed on the Buffalo. The Rollercoaster male being the big bold male that he is ran before the young males, taking refuge behind the pride and wasn’t seen again during the confrontation. The females of the pride made several more attempts to try get the kill back but eventually accepted defeat and the pride moved off coming to rest in the Sand river close to Rattrays camp. The males remained on the kill for the entire day feeding furiously, fighting amongst one another for the choice bits. By the evening the carcass was done and in the morning the males had moved off. Reports from the north of six young males coming in from the Kruger might explain the presence of these males as they were shy of the vehicles either running away from them or becoming aggressive. Interesting times lay ahead if this new coalition stays in the area. 5 Male lions – 25 December 2009 A female adult buffalo carcass was found near the fourways on the eastern bank of the Matshipiri river, no predators were found but tracks of lions were in the area. A day later just further south of where the carcass was found 5 unidentified male lions were found, 3 very nervous and 2 relaxed males, they looked well fed and we suspect also the lions responsible for the buffalo kill. They did not hang around the area for very long, we think they are the same 5 male lions that attacked the Eyrefield pride a few months back and that they come from the Kruger Park, thus they are so nervous around vehicles. However we left them heading east back towards Kruger and we hope they will visit more regularly and set up territory on northeastern Eyrefield. Five male lions – 14 February 2010 Many tracks of lions were found as we were following the large herd of buffalo during the morning drive. A young male lion was found a short way off from the herd, and was heading in the opposite direction. He met up with another two young males who were lying up in some thick brush just off the road. The three lions then headed west again, and led rangers to a sub-adult buffalo kill. At the kill another two young male lions were found, but as soon as they saw the vehicles they took off running. These five male are the same youngsters that were seen in the area several months ago, and are the same ones that chased the Eyrefield pride off a buffalo kill near Rattray’s Camp last year. They come from the Kruger National Park - hence the nervous nature of some of the individuals. Thankfully at least two of the cats were very relaxed. One of the lions dragged the kill into some thick bush where he and his sibling fed from it. The other less relaxed males stayed in the background whenever vehicles approached. Five male lions – 15 February 2010 The same five males seen the day before were tracked to Two Toes Open area where they had made another buffalo kill. This time the buffalo was an old sickly female which they had obviously picked off the back of the herd. The kill was nearly finished - flesh only remaining along the spine and around the skull. During the day only three of the lions were seen. The more nervous two were not spotted. Whether they were in the vicinity or not no-one knows, buts it is highly unlikely that they would have split off. By the next morning the buffalo was finished and tracks of the males indicated they had returned to the Kruger National Park. Three male lions, two female lions and a young male lion – 20 March 2010 Tracks of lions were found following the buffalo herd around Clarendon Dam. As rangers went to follow up, three young male lions were spotted on the Kruger National Park break, just south of Clarendon Corner. The lions were nervous of vehicles and quickly retreated into the Kruger - dragging with them the remains of a baby buffalo carcass. Rangers suspect that these three might be part of the coalition of five young males which we have started seeing along the eastern part of our property. As rangers worked the area taking in the buffalo herd, some zebra and the resident jackals, another three lions were spotted lying in the gulley north of Clarendon Dam - two adult females and one young male lion. One of the females was nervous of vehicles while the other two were relaxed and allowed us to approach. These lions could possibly be part of the Windmill pride, or perhaps a pride from the north that we occasionally see. During the night, the male lions may have come across the pride hunting the buffalo and either attacked them, or simply stolen their kill. Two young male lions from Kruger National Park – 11 & 12 April 2010 The two male lions were still hanging around the remains of the giraffe carcass. The animal had died as a result of a lightning strike a few days earlier. They still seemed a little uneasy, even though the rangers had been watching them for the last few days. The older one (which is also the the oldest in the coalition) was the more relaxed of the two, and even chased off vultures and jackals loitering nearby so that he could eat in peace. His mate soon moved off as well. However, as soon as he realised that he was alone, he called softly and then ran off in the direction of his younger mate. The rangers waited for a while and then returned again later, but there was no sign of the lions. Patience paid off for the waiting vultures and jackals which proceeded to make short work of what remained of the carcass. The following day, the rangers found all five lions looking fat and happy on the eastern border of the Kruger National Park. The coalition moved from there into the Kruger National Park – their territory. Hopefully as they mature they will attempt to expand their territory into the eastern parts of MalaMala, which in turn might encourage them to become more relaxed around the vehicles as they’ll come into more regular contact with them. 5 Male lions from Kruger and Styx lioness mating – 22 April 2010 These males seem to be settling well in the north eastern parts of the property. Two of the five males were found fast asleep on the road near Clarendon Dam in the very north-eastern parts of MalaMala. Something in a south-western direction caught their occasional attention, and when the rangers investigated they discovered a third male with a Styx lioness. The lioness was flirting with the male and then lying down in a mating position. This behavior is common in leopards, but with lions it is usually the males that do the work. Normally all the lioness will do when faced with a potential suitor is give her consent. After a lot of flirting the two were finally seen mating, although the male was not entirely at ease and eventually led the Styx lioness into some thicker bush where he could conduct matters in private. While this was going on, the other two males were found not too far away on the Matshipiri Dam wall. Rangers were baffled by the lioness’ odd behaviour as the Mlowathi males are dominant in the northwest and seem to have control and dominance over the Styx pride. The fact that this female was mating with the new males who have yet to set up a territory on MalaMala, not to mention being far too young to defend an area or protect a pride, is strange indeed. Time will tell if this was just a false estrous or if this lioness actively sought out these males. Even though the Mlowathi males are not dominant around the north eastern corner, the five new males have made no challenge on the area. However, with females showing interest and the possibility of establishing a pride for themselves, perhaps this will spur them on. They lack experience though, so at the moment that gives the big Mlowathi males the upper hand. Five male lions – 8 May 2010 Lion tracks were found following the herd of buffalo around Charleston. The herd was close to the river in the open, but without any sign of lions. It was then, right in the front of the herd, that two lion heads could be made out in long grass. Two young male lions were lying watching the buffalo advancing towards them. As the buffalo approached their hiding spot, they charged. The buffalo initially stampeded away, but quickly regathered to face their foes. Charging back at the lions, the buffalo sent them scattering for cover. In the afternoon rangers went to look for the cats again, but when they were found lazing in some short grass, their numbers had multiplied. There were now five young male lions - the five from the Kruger National Park - and they were still eying the buffalo herd. As the sun set, the lions moved towards the buffalo. Waiting for darkness, the lions trailed the herd until they spotted a bull lying down ruminating. Gathering their forces, the male snuck closer. Just at the crucial moment, the bull got wind of them and came to full alert. Having seen off the threat, the bull slowly trudged after the herd - followed by the lions. For the next two hours the lions attacked the buffalo, with the buffalo successfully repelling each and every attack. The lions would regroup after each failed attempt, slide around to another side of the herd and try again. But each attempt was met with an impenetrable wall of horns. Finally the lions gave up and settled down as the herd stampeded east. Two Styx lionesses take down a male buffalo and the four Kruger National Park males arrive – 24 June 2010 With all the action and excitement of the Bicycle Crossing male the night before, rangers didn’t think it possible that it could get any better. But boy were they wrong! A large herd of buffalo was found moving south in the lower reaches of the Mlowathi River. They had moved off the property the day before, but seemed to be making their way back towards the Sand River for water. While following the herd rangers saw a lioness to the east on the river bank. She was soon joined by another lioness, and rangers identified them as two Styx pair. As the buffalo walked passed them it looked as if they were trying to pick out a victim. They moved around to the back of the herd where they almost succeeded in isolating a young male calf, but it alarm called just in time and a young bull quickly came to its rescue. The lionesses then diverted their attention to the young bull. They jumped on his back, but as fast as they got on he shook them off again. When this happened the rest of the herd caught fright and started running south out of the area. They settled down about 250m further south, before continuing in the direction of the Sand River. In their panic they’d left the bull isolated, and the two lionesses took full advantage of the situation. They made a few more attempts to pull the bull down, but each time he chased them off. It almost seemed as if he was enjoying giving them the runaround in the river bed. Unfortunately his antics came to an abrupt in when he followed the lionesses into the mud and thicker reeds. The tables were turned and it didn’t take long for the two of them to bring the bull down. He alarm called loudly, but his herd continued south and he was left to fend for himself. Neither lioness made any attempt to try and suffocate or muzzle the buffalo bull, and straight away began biting into him and feeding. One of them ripped open his rump, while the other started on his chest. They were essentially eating the young buffalo alive. The sighting was gruesome, with the buffalo bellowing helplessly as the lionesses ate. It was close on an hour before one of the lionesses tried to muzzle him, but after a few minutes she let go again and continued feeding. Just as one of the rangers was leaving the sighting he saw the four remaining young males from the Kruger National Park. They’d come to investigate after hearing the buffalo’s distress call. The lionesses had no idea how they were going to suffer for not muzzling or killing the buffalo. As soon as the first male arrived on the scene one of the lionesses ran off, leaving the other to control the still alive buffalo bull and fend off a male lion. The buffalo saw an opportunity to escape and stood up, but the combined force of standing with a lioness on his back and a male lion coming at him from the side, his hind leg snapped and he fell to the ground again. Within seconds the Kruger male had moved into position and started suffocating the buffalo. However he didn’t relish the idea of having to do the dirty work while the lioness carried on eating. And so he too gave up and just started feeding. After that two more males arrived began feeding. In the end it took well over an hour before the buffalo eventually died from blood loss and shock. The Kruger Park lions quickly sorted out the feeding hierarchy, and the remaining Styx lioness was caught in the crossfire. With a number of small fights breaking out around the carcass she was dealt some nasty blows in the process. In-between bouts of feeding the young males scented, a bold move indeed considering that they were right in the middle of the Mlowathi male’s territory. The second lioness came into the area a few times over the next two days, but was chased off by the males. The second lioness continued to feed while simultaneously fighting with the Kruger lions. When she eventually left she had some gashes to her flank and neck from the males. On the last night and following morning the four young males roared in an attempt to establish themselves in the area, but after a while the Mlowathi male responded from the west. It’s going to be interesting to see what develops regarding this territory! 4 male lions from Kruger National Park found marking and establishing territory – 1 July 2010 Tracks showed a number of male lions coming south on the eastern bank of the Sand River, from Paraffin Drift towards West Street. With the dead lioness found in the area the day before, rangers think the tracks might belong to the four Kruger males. If their assumptions are correct the group was probably returning to what is likely to end up as the heart of their territory (the middle of Eyrefield and the eastern parts of MalaMala around the Kruger Park boundary) after chasing off the Marthly pride and Mlowathi male. When rangers found the four they were on the MalaMala – Flockfield boundary, and moving east towards the Kruger National Park. They all looked to be in very good condition and were moving as a close unit. This will stand them in good stead as they try to establish dominance in the area. They spent the warm part of the day resting in the Hogvaal Donga (a big gully system). By nightfall they got up and moved east, eventually crossing over into the Kruger National Park to mark out the eastern parts of their territory. One male lion from the Kruger National Park and two unknown females – 20 July 2010 After finding tracks of a male lion around Rhino Walk and tracking them for over an hour, rangers eventually found three lions in the thickets near Clarendon Dam. The male appeared to be one of the four Kruger National Park males. They were all well fed and very relaxed. After a while the male got up and left the two females, he headed east and called softly as he went. He was most probably looking for his brothers, because this early in the establishing of their territory they need to stay as close together as possible in order to protect each other. It didn’t take him long to cross back over into the Kruger National Park. The females didn’t follow him however, choosing instead to stay put and digest their food. They both appeared well fed and content. The lionesses are new to the property, and it’s more than likely that they left their own territory in order to follow this newly dominant male into the area. Rangers have been hoping that these four Kruger National Park males would bring a new pride with them, and this appears to be the first signs of exactly that. That evening the three of them were together again, roaring and calling before they moved off back into Kruger . Two lionesses and cubs – 18 August 2010 Two unknown lionesses that have been seen infrequently around Claredon Dam over the last couple of months, were found around Matshipiri Dam with their four cubs in tow. After drinking from one of the small puddles that the dam has now been reduced to, the pride then moved southwards away from the dam and towards a large gulley system. They spent the remainder of the day there resting in the shade. The four cubs, which are probably in the region of three months old, took turns harassing the females. Their games were tolerated to a point, but eventually their disgruntled mothers made their displeasure known. As evening approached the pride started to get active, with the females looking as if they might go hunting. Due to the age of the cubs they are still not being viewed after dark, so rangers left them to themselves as soon as darkness approached. At that point the females still in the immediate area. 4 Kruger National Park and three Styx lionesses with a pair mating – 26 August 2010 Roaring was heard in the middle of the night through to the next morning. This resulted in much excitement in camp, with rangers and guests all hoping it was the 4 new males from the Kruger National Park. These new males seem to be taking over from the Mlowathi males, especially as Mohawk (the last Mlowathi male) hasn’t been seen for a number of weeks now. This confirms reports that he has joined up with his older brothers in the west. Two of the Kruger National Park males and a Styx lioness were found near Mlowathi Dam, and before long rangers noticed that the one male was mating with the Styx lioness. Another clear indication that they are taking over in the area. On leaving this trio, the remaining two males and another two Styx lionesses were found sleeping in the thickets about 200m up the road. The mating pair continued throughout the day and into the next. Much later that evening that the rest of the lions got up, roared and moved north again, until they eventually headed off of MalaMala entirely. 1 Kruger National Park male and 1 Styx lioness mating – 27 August 2010 All the other lions had moved off the property the night before, but the mating pair seemed content to stay in the shade and mate. The frequency in mating had subsided, indicating that they were coming to the end of the cycle. That said, they were still mating and for the time being that remained their main priority. Late in the evening they got active, and led by the female, they set their sights on a herd of impala. The hunting was short lived however, because the male soon lost interest and wanted to mate again. They then made their way north towards the area where the rest of the pride was last seen. They were eventually lost when they continued north towards their mates. 2 Kruger National Park male lions patrolling – 28 August 2010 Late in the afternoon two of the new young males from the Kruger National Park were found on the northern boundary of MalaMala. Tracks indicated that they had come from the south and were searching for something. The roared a few times and called softly before continuing north. They might have been looking for their brother that was mating with the Styx lioness, or perhaps they were just patrolling in their ongoing bid to establish themselves within their new territory. Four male lions from the Kruger National Park – 6 September 2010 Late into the night drive a ranger came across the four males around Matumi Rocks, they were all full bellied and fast asleep. The group was reported to the west of the property a few days prior, but it looks like they’d finished whatever they caught there and made a welcome return to MalaMala’s side of the river. The males roared throughout the night, and everybody was eager to get out there in the morning to find out what had taken place during the night. Little did we realise the action that was yet to happen. Four male lions from the Kruger National Park, two Marthly lionesses, Emsagwen male, Campbell Koppies female and the large male from Sparta (leopards) – 7 September 2010 Rangers set out eagerly to follow up on the four male lions. As they headed into the area they found tracks of two leopards heading towards the last area the lions had been seen. As they rounded the corner they found the Emsagwen male and the Campbell Koppies female on Matumi rocks. The pair was still mating, albeit with much less frequency. As they moved off the rock they parted ways, and so the mating marathon finally came to an end. A ranger trying to keep up with the Campbell Koppies female crested the ridge leading out of the Sand River to find the four male lions and two of the Marthly lionesses lying in the open. The lions weren’t aware of the leopard’s presence, but the leopard had vanished into thin air so she’d obviously seen them and taken off. In the meantime the Emsagwen male disappeared into some thick reeds and was lost as he headed in the direction of the lions. Another ranger arriving in the area found the large male from Sparta lying about 50 meters away from the rest of the lions and leopards. He wasn’t in a good mood. The reason for his displeasure was soon revealed when the Emsagwen male was rediscovered just east of him in a tree, where he was feeding on the remains of a male bushbuck. The Emsagwen male must have bumped into him while trying to find the Campbell Koppies female and chased him off the kill. Although well fed, the large male from Sparta was still incredibly irritated at having lost his meal to his rival. In the meantime the Emsagwen male took the kill out of the tree and started dragging it over the ridge. What he didn’t know however, was that he was heading straight to where the lions were sleeping. As he crested the ridge he saw the lions and immediately did an about turn, but not before one of the lionesses spotted him and gave chase. The leopard climbed a skew Jackalberry tree with the kill, but the lioness scaled the tree in a flash. As soon as the Emsagwen male let go of the kill she was onto it. The lioness had the leopard cornered at the top of the tree, but she was unsure of her footing in the tree and so didn’t attack the Emsagwen male outright. The leopard wasn’t taking any chances though, and tried to attack the lioness in the hope that she would either fall or back off. Unfortunately this tactic didn’t work. The lioness fought back, and after a brief scuffle the Emsagwen male jumped out of the tree and quickly scaled a nearby Sausage tree. No sooner was he up the tree when the four male lions crested the ridge and made straight for him. The remaining Marthly female eventually appeared on the scene, but knowing her chances of getting any of the bushbuck were slim to nothing, she just lay down to watch the ensuing chaos. The lioness stayed in the tree and fed off the kill, while the four males circled the base like sharks waiting for scraps to fall. The unscarred male even made several attempts at climbing the tree, but each time he’d get halfway and then remember that lions aren’t actually supposed to climb trees and abandon his efforts. The lioness in the tree ate most of the kill, before dropping the two front legs. Needless to say these were greedily snapped up by two of the males. She then descended the tree and moved back into the open area with the other female. Two of the males followed them, and when the other two had finished their snack they joined the others on the crest of the river bank. All six lions then fell fast asleep. Only once the lions had moved off did the Emsagwen male cautiously descend the tree. When he reached the ground his bravado returned, and he made a big show of scent marking the tree that had held him safe for the past hour. He then strutted off down the road as if it was any other morning. Four male lions from the Kruger National Park and the three lionesses from Gowrie – 8 September 2010 Tracks of both sets of lions went north along the Matshipiri River. The males were found first around the White Cloth, and not long after the females were discovered closer to the Matshipiri River. The females were heading towards the herd of buffalo that was also being eyed out by the males. As soon as the females spotted the males they took off in the opposite direction, but their hasty retreat didn’t go unnoticed and the males went after them. As they jogged through the Hogvaal Donga the females tried in vain to out maneuver the males, but the males’ dogged determination helped them close the gap. When the females realized the males weren’t going to give up, the two sub-adults took off southwards while the adult female turned north in the hope of drawing the males away from the youngsters. The tactic worked and the males went after her. She was eventually hauled in at Paddy Pools and the courting ritual began immediately. Running down the flanks of the dark maned male, she made as if she wanted to mate. She flicked her tail under his nose to further indicate her false intentions, but every time the male got up to mate she would turn and snarl at him. The wily lioness managed to keep all four males occupied in this manner for most of the morning, and in doing so kept them away from the sub-adult females. Extract from old MalaMala sightings 2009/2010 |
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