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Lions of Timbavati
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Coalitions ?
Here we have two brothers from the coalition of five that have been roaming our northen area. We are not sure where they have come from but we sure hope they will stick around. It's not often you see a coalition of five males and we look forward to seeing what will unfold with them in a new area with new competitors. In southern africa the average coalition size is around two males. Actual coalition sizes can vary from two males to seven males. These coalitions are normally made up of lions that are brothers, and often half-brothers, and cousins. It has been recorded though that unrelated males may join up and form coalitions later in their lives. Shindzela Tented Camp  *This image is copyright of its original author
Motswari Blog 2020 Volume 02
Since the 9th of February the Timbavati landscape has further transformed at the hand of mother nature. Unbelievable amounts of rain swept through the area over a period of two days leaving Motswari almost entirely landlocked for 24 hours. Some parts of the reserve are even reminiscent of scenes from Jurassic Park, with grass over head height and Mopane woodlands so dense even the elephants disappear in the blink of an eye. So what does all of this mean for our lions and in particular the three Nharhu males and the River Pride females?  *This image is copyright of its original author As we know a new pride was in the making. The successful partnership between the Nharhu males and the River Pride females has created an exciting energy amongst all the guides within our area. Towards the latter part of last year we could see the bonds forming and growing stronger. Within the southern section of our traverse thunderous roars from the three males could be heard and felt, advertising to every living organism that they were here to stay. Around mid-January the news broke that at least one of the females had given birth, not long after reports had confirmed that another of the females had also given birth. Needless to say this pride was now flourishing. Though, it would still be a long while before the cubs would be viewable as the females will keep their young hidden and protected for around a two month period.  *This image is copyright of its original author Ensuring the survival of the cubs is not an easy affair, as the mothers have to make sure the cubs are firstly protected in a secure den site or den sites that will avoid detection by other predators. Secondly the mothers themselves have to hunt successfully in order to provide nutrient rich milk off which the cubs will suckle. Lastly, they will risk their lives for the safety of the cubs. The responsibility of the males is to make sure that no intruders manage to encroach into their territory. The combination of these different variables is a mammoth task to achieve but the one thing we have still left out is mother nature herself.  *This image is copyright of its original author Turns out the 9th of February may have been a significant turning point for the formation of this pride. With Motswari receiving close to 150ml’s of rain and almost 200ml’s further south in the heart of their territory, the sad reality of the pride losing their cubs in the raging flood of the Nhlaralumi river started to dawn on us. With this amount of water in such a sudden timeframe, the suspected den sites in the Nhlaralumi and Zebenine rivers would have been completely destroyed. After a few visits down to the south and much speculation amongst the guides, it seems that the pride may have to rebuild once more. It is, however, still possible that the mothers managed to rescue a few individuals or even each member of the different litters just before the storm hit. We will just have to wait and see.  *This image is copyright of its original author It’s now been a fair while after the rains and low and behold we were lucky enough to view some members of the pride mating with one another. Is this possibly the start of the pride re-build? We are not entirely sure yet but one thing is for sure, we will be keeping a close eye on this.
Tanda Tula
The lion dynamics continue to keep us all intrigued. The Narhu males have all but made this area their territory. Interestingly, the Mbiri males did come back north for a day or two but didn’t stick around too long before heading south and back into the Kruger. I think for the time being they are playing it safe and sticking with the 14 lions of the Myanbula pride which includes 10 of their cubs. I wasn’t able to get round to seeing this impressive pride this week, but they were seen very briefly one morning. I was glad to hear that all 10 cubs are alive and doing well – this is seriously incredible as lion cubs have a very low survival rate. Last week I had the pleasure of viewing one of the Nahru males attempting to mate with one of the River pride females and while it never officially happened then, I can confirm that he has now managed to come right with the lioness. I found the other two Nahru males late one evening this week (only because a couple of irate elephants had chased them from their hiding spot). None the less, it was fun pushing my camera and technique to its low light limits!  *This image is copyright of its original author
The mighty Black Dam male in double trouble being been challenged by his own sons, originating from Thornybush Game Reserve, born on the Monwana pride, once again two young males without territory now are competing for the dominance and want to acquire their own land
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UGot4Av7T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&fbclid=IwAR1lgMJ_-ARf5HbxHyh61wPEG0z6m5yDeqSP67zl46YgJI6ceapuT1QLxFE 
Tough times upon Black Dam male, biggest male in Timbavati :
 *This image is copyright of its original author 2 of his sons, Monwana males invaded his territory and mated with 1 of his Giraffe pride females. They found his father on the road and chase him away. Also 5 Vuyela/young river pride males where also seen in this area. Even mighty Black Dam male as lonely male cant hold his own against multiple youngest males, it seems that new generation of males are starting too establish themselves in Timbavati with Nharhu, Vuyela, Monwana and Xikukutsu males. Giraffe male might be next in the line.  (03-05-2020, 12:06 AM)Tr1x24 Wrote: Tough times upon Black Dam male, biggest male in Timbavati : He is a survivor and has managed to see off bigger coalitions though this area is turning into a pressure cooker. If the Vuyela don't move off, in a year they will probably see off everyone else. His sons are good looking lions though. (03-05-2020, 12:19 AM)Matimbalani Wrote: He is a survivor and has managed to see off bigger coalitions though this area is turning into a pressure cooker. If the Vuyela don't move off, in a year they will probably see off everyone else. His sons are good looking lions though Agree, Vuyela males have the numbers, they are still too young atm. His sons are beautiful and will be massive beasts just like him, but for now in a 1 vs 1 scenario he would still spank them with ease tho. For me Xikukutsus with Mapoza have the most potentialy, those Xikukutsus are massive beasts already. Interesting things in Timbavati with all this new blood coming up.
"Black Dam male, biggest male in Timbavati"
Bold statement considering that Mbiris are still around 
(03-05-2020, 12:30 AM)Potato Wrote: "Black Dam male, biggest male in Timbavati" Mbiris are mostly in Kruger these days and i dont think they are bigger then him, Back Dam male is a massive boy:  *This image is copyright of its original author If im not mistaken there was report that he chased of 2 Mbiri males by himself.
Nharhus
 *This image is copyright of its original author Black Dam  *This image is copyright of its original author
(03-06-2020, 01:08 AM)Potato Wrote: Born in January 2010 Thanks, @Potato He has another one or two good years left in him. If the pressure from other groups forces him to form an alliance with his sons, that would be good all around. That way they can take on the Mapoza and his partners. 
I admire the solo male lions like BlackDam , RedRoad , Nguvu more than lions in coalitions . They earned their position the hard way
(03-06-2020, 01:42 AM)239Pu Wrote: I admire the solo male lions like BlackDam , RedRoad , Nguvu more than lions in coalitions . They earned their position the hard way I agree although Black Dam has really earned it. He had to deal with big coalitions and somehow managed to resist them. Nguvu and Red Road males haven't really dealt with any sustained challenge. |
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