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.
THE NDHZENGA MALES = 4
2 ADULT MALES ± 7 YEARS 5 MONTHS
2 ADULT MALES ± 7 YEARS 0 MONTHS
WESTERN CHARLESTON
Dominant for the Styx and Southern Prides.
First Encountered on MalaMala September 2020
(30 sightings)
The presence of this coalition remained constant throughout July. Sightings were recorded on 30 of
the 31 days of the month. With the loss of the newest litter of Kambula cubs, we expect these males
to maintain a rigorous mating schedule as the lionesses come into oestrus again.
Noteworthy sightings:
• One male was southwest of West Street on the 2nd.
• On the 3rd and 4th, a male was alone around Flockfield Pool.
• Two males were with two females from the Kambula pride on the 7th. They were south of Princess Alice Pans.
• Only lacking one member, three males were together in Kapen Open Area on the 11th. The three were together again on the 13th north of Hyena Waterhole, this time with a lioness from the Kambula pride.
• A male mated with a lioness from the Kambula pride east of Princess Alice Pans on the 15th.
• On the 22nd, three males were with nine lionesses from the Kambula Pride around Charleston North Crossing.
• Two males kept the company of two older and two younger lionesses in Jackalsdraai Open Area on the 23rd.
• On the 24th, the male with the abdominal protrusion mated with a Kambula lioness around the Five-Star junction.
• On the 26th, a male was with a lioness from the Kambula pride east of Plank’s Pan. On the same day, two more males were with six Kambula lionesses in Matshapiri Open Area.
• On the closing day of the month, one male was with three lionesses opposite Rattray’s Camp. On the same day, two more males were with three Kambula lionesses opposite Maxim’s Lookout. Mating activity was recorded.
This month highlighted what we have observed previously, that the male with the club foot is spending increasingly less time with his brothers. Mating activity between these males and lionesses from the Kambula pride continues.
Noteworthy sightings:
• Three males (excluding the male with the club foot) were with Kambula Group C around Charleston North on the 7th. The same group was at the same place on the 14th.
• On the 18th and 19th, the male with the club foot joined the Kambula Group A as they fed on a buffalo carcass west of Bicycle Crossing. This is the first time we have recorded a Ndhzenga male close to the cubs of the Kambula pride. In his poor condition, he prioritised food over infanticide.
• On the 21st, the male with the club foot was alone around the White Stones.
• Three males found themselves in the middle of a brawl between two of their prides on the 31st when the Kambula pride had an altercation with the Styx pride at Calabash Crossing.
