There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
03-23-2024, 02:03 PM( This post was last modified: 03-23-2024, 02:07 PM by Duco Ndona )
Lionesses have different strategies to keep cubs safe, but that does not mean they use or need them all the time.
The savanna is not that dangerous. Its not like there are hyenas lurking behind every bush to take out a cub the minute mom isnt watching.
The pride knows their territory and probably has a good idea which areas are favourite spots for those and other predators to hang out and which arent.
Cubs are also pretty good at hiding. So the minute one of them picked up a scent or sound they dont like. They would likely have ran for the bushes.
The only reason why we are seeing these animals this relaxed at all is becouse they are somewhat domesticated by the lodges.
Without this they would only be seen rarely with great efford and most of the footage would be of them hiding in some bushes somewhere. Like we sometimes see when new animals arive that grew up in areas not covered by a tourist lodge.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of animals raising cubs out there on their own. Cheetahs and leopards dont have the luxurity of babysitters.
So I am not that concerned about the cubs being left alone for a bit.
(03-23-2024, 04:34 AM)BA0701 Wrote:
(03-22-2024, 11:33 PM)Duco Ndona Wrote: Stability is very important for a pride and male lions are crucial for that
I agree with that comment entirely. Sadly, given what we know to this point, if opportunity presents itself, male lions are going to roam the moment females in their current pride are no longer receptive. PCM have left the Mangheni for extended periods, and I don't recall the last time they hung with their cubs with the Nkuhumas. For quite some time, strangely enough, the pride that they seemed to spend the most time with seemed to be the Ximungwes, the one pride with the least opportunity for mating.
I wish it was natural for male lions to be more like the Ross Males, because of that very stability that is so necessary for the cub's well being, and even they wandered to the Breakways, though the Birmingham Pride did have large numbers of lionesses, and like with the Kambulas, there is enough lionesses to keep two males occupied fairly well.
Point I am making is just that I am not sure we can blame male lions for the loss of cubs, when they are only doing what seems to come natural to them, especially when it comes as the result of their own demise. There are a lot of things in the lion world that I, personally, wish happened differently, and OM's final night on Earth is one of the ones at the very top of that list. While there are many lions who are not very good fathers, in the treatment of their cubs, there are many others who are the exact opposite, and are wonderful fathers, and I believe he was one of those as well. I also believe the PCM are wonderful fathers as well, though they might be away longer than many of us would like, due to their responsibilities elsewhere, when they are present they treat their cubs very well, and always seem really tolerant.
There is a difference between the males hanging out in other spots of the territorium but still maintaining their scent marks and roaring, which would warn off most rival groups from trying anything. And disapearing without leaving a trace at all.
The point I am making is that its unfair to label the Mangheni as bad mothers, just for being put in a difficult situation by the actions of OM.
Most prides would lose their cubs in these situations.
So mhangeni pride has 5F 5M
Tinya has 3
Limping mhangeni has 2
Big boys sister has 4
And the youngest is a boy belongs to (bad or good teeth)
We know tinya has at least 1 son
Wdym? We know the younger females gave birth around March. The older female gave birth in June to 2 cubs, but one was lost, we saw her carrying the young cub.
I mean do we know who belongs to who that’s why I asked if we had video of photos of them around the time they gave birth to identify who belongs to who
05-31-2024, 08:37 PM( This post was last modified: 05-31-2024, 08:50 PM by Mapokser )
Mothers have been doing an amazing job.
It's all up to the PCM, if they don't abandon them and can defend the territory, then the cubs will have a good chance.
Edit: White Dot is still alive and in good shape, and was born in 2006-07, being way over 2 years older than Manghenis so hopefully the 2 old Manghenis can keep going strong till all the cubs can at least reach independence and start helping the mothers hunt.
(05-31-2024, 08:37 PM)Mapokser Wrote: Mothers have been doing an amazing job.
It's all up to the PCM, if they don't abandon them and can defend the territory, then the cubs will have a good chance.
Edit: White Dot is still alive and in good shape, and was born in 2006-07, being way over 2 years older than Manghenis so hopefully the 2 old Manghenis can keep going strong till all the cubs can at least reach independence and start helping the mothers hunt.
If you look at all the old girls we've lost recently (Othawas, Styx Rollercoaster daughter, Talamati Silver Eye and sister) their prides were going through precarious and tumultous times, so life wasn't as safe and stable. Theoretically if things remain stable for the Mhangheni pride, ie. the PC males don't abandon them, then they could live for another couple of years, as they've got two big males and three strong, healthy daughters to protect them and do the lion's share of the hunting.
They're two legendary lionesses and it would be really, really great if the PC males would not abandon them.
