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(08-22-2024, 09:41 PM)Tr1x24 Wrote: Styx young male and Kambula breakaway female stil together:
Credits: Chris Logan
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Interesting how this female (just like lone Tsalala not long ago) is still not in estrus while being born in mid 2019, while some young females from SP, Styx and soon Othawas already went in estrus at ~ 3 - 3.5 yrs.
This again shows have different circumstances and experiences in life affects lions biology, thats why comparing lions in a manner "why are these males not showing territorial signs at ~6 yrs of age, while those other guys are at ~4" is not possible, because from outside, we dont know and understand those stuff.
Now we have 2 pairings like this, Styx/Kambula and NK Breakaways, if they somehow manage to link, that would be great for both boys and girls, but not very likely to happen.
It's up in the air if these lions are like they are due to environmental circumstances, genetics, or a mix of both so we can't say some went into estrus first due to environmental reasons, or like you put it "experiences and circumstances in life".
It could just be genetics, Styx and Southern subs are sisters, they went into estrus quicker than the average. Tsalala and K12 are the opposite, also sisters.
Othawas? Their mother went into estrus around the age they are right now and Othawa lions are known for developing quick, the Othawa sons of the Mapogo, Majingilane and Tumbela were all quick to develop.