Lions of Sabi Sands

[FACR2212]

(Today, 02:22 AM)Kendra Wrote: I am trying to get an exact makeup of the numbers and ages of the members of the Torchwood Pride as of today.  Also, can anyone share any history of the pride, the fathers of the current cubs, and young males, and the background of the 4 adult lionesses?  Thanks so much

Hey, Torchwood pride roams an area with few reports, so a good picture of the Torchwood pride is difficult to compose. Torchwood is found to the east of Western Gowrie and is 1250 hectares [3,500 acres]  in size. There are no commercial lodges found on this property but Djuma and Cheetah Plains guides and guests traverse there. The property is owned by private individual landowners. Introducing Torchwood! - WildEarth

Anyway, I have investigated the male coalitions that have ruled Torchwood pride since Matimbas:

Matimba males era (2013-2015): Fathers of "Hairy Belly Junior" (1Torchwood/2Fourways coalition). Matimba offspring ended up forming a breakaway because of the birmingham males.

Birmingham males era (2015-2018): In early 2018,  5-7 lionesses and 8-9 cubs were reported by MalaMala and wildearth, among other sources. In november 2018, 6 subadults (1 male + 6 females) were reported. The male, sired by B-Boys became Torchwood male/Osindile partner (Mongawane coalition).

"Kruger males" era (2020-2023): these were 2 unknown males. By early 2021, Malamala reported 7 adult females of unkown ages + 6 females 5 years old (BBoys daughters). January 2021 (GNS).docx During 2021-2022, 2 subadults males and up to 8 cubs were reported by based again on sightings made in malamala.

Mantimahle sons era (2023–2025): I don't know if Mantimhales made a take over killing the offspring of Kruger males, or some subadults of that generation survived. @KM600 do you know of a breakaway in torchwood pride?
In early 2024, 6 cubs were seen along with at least 6 adult females. February-2024.pdf
In february 2025: On the 13th, six lionesses and seven sub-adults were found near Two Toes Open Area along the Matshapiri River (...) one of which was in particularly bad condition due to her old age while the other showed partially healed wounds (...) On the 26th, the older lioness was south of Fred’s Tree and she was found dead east of Maurice’s Pan the next day.


Therefore, current pride is conformed of 4-5 lioness (at least some B-boys daughters I think, around 9 years old) and 7-9 subadults sired by 2 Mantimahle sons. The old female that passed away recently, probably was a Matimba daughter. I don't know if Mantimhales made a take over killing the offspring of Kruger males, or some subadults of that generation survived (a breakaway of the older females with subadults, for example).



Torchwood pride with a Birmingham male in 2017:

*This image is copyright of its original author

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