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Ndzhenga Males
We recorded a stable 25 sightings of this coalition this month. For the first week, all three males were seen on most days, keeping the company of the Kambula lionesses and cubs mostly around Princess Alice Pans. The most noteworthy event this month was the passing of the male with the abdominal protrusion. As the coalition is whittled down, it will be increasingly more difficult for the remain males to hold their dominance.
Noteworthy sightings:
On the 11th, the three males were involved in a fight that broke out on the southern end of the Airstrip. The Kambula lionesses participated in the brawl.
Tensions subsided and all three males were with lionesses and cubs at Princess Alice Pans on the 12th .
On the 22nd and 23rd, the male with the abdominal protrusion defended an impala ram carcass from a young lioness of the Kambula pride at Princess Alice Pans. Rangers noted that his condition had deteriorated.
On the 25th, the male with the abdominal protrusion had another impala carcass at Princess Alice Pans in the early afternoon. An hour later, his lifeless body was found in the same area.
On the 26th and 27th the remaining members of this coalition were around West Street Pans roaring
(06-29-2023, 12:28 AM)Tonpa Wrote: Ndzhenga Males
We recorded a stable 25 sightings of this coalition this month. For the first week, all three males were seen on most days, keeping the company of the Kambula lionesses and cubs mostly around Princess Alice Pans. The most noteworthy event this month was the passing of the male with the abdominal protrusion. As the coalition is whittled down, it will be increasingly more difficult for the remain males to hold their dominance.
Noteworthy sightings:
On the 11th, the three males were involved in a fight that broke out on the southern end of the Airstrip. The Kambula lionesses participated in the brawl.
Tensions subsided and all three males were with lionesses and cubs at Princess Alice Pans on the 12th .
On the 22nd and 23rd, the male with the abdominal protrusion defended an impala ram carcass from a young lioness of the Kambula pride at Princess Alice Pans. Rangers noted that his condition had deteriorated.
On the 25th, the male with the abdominal protrusion had another impala carcass at Princess Alice Pans in the early afternoon. An hour later, his lifeless body was found in the same area.
On the 26th and 27th the remaining members of this coalition were around West Street Pans roaring
On a carcass and an hour later he was dead? That sounds fishy.
Its not like he was completely healthy at the kills. It seems his health took a very rapid downturn after that protrusion fell off.
Most likely due to infection.
A great video by @jamotyrrell showcasing the powerful bond between the Ndhzenga male lions! These mighty warriors face numerous challenges and engage in intense battles under the cloak of night, proudly wearing new scars with each dawn. What awaits these brothers, who find themselves encircled by multiple powerful coalitions and a multitude of ambitious nomadic males aiming to overthrow their reign? Only time will unveil their fate.
Londolozi, South Africa Photographer Credit: @jamotyrrell
Until recently, they were undisputedly the most powerful and dominant coalition. Now that their numbers have been reduced to two, despite retaining an incredibly powerful presence, other males are aware that their numbers have halved. It will only be a matter of time until other coalitions realise that they have the advantage and it becomes a numbers game. And although experience and age are vital in a battle for dominance, numbers could be equally as important if not more so. However, so far they are holding strong over the Eastern and Central parts of Londolozi.
With their cubs to protect, their priorities are clear. They spend the majority of their time with the Ntsevu Pride, within the heart of their territory. We have noticed that the Ndzhenga Males have not been patrolling their territory as actively as they used to prior to the arrival of their cubs. At least for now, this does appear to be a result of them having already secured their territory and established known boundaries with other males in the area – who wouldn’t attempt to challenge them.
The Ndzhenga Males fiercely defend an incredibly large area around their cubs from other lions, the biggest threat to their cubs. The mothers of the cubs have been shifting them around to keep them at a safe distance from any other lions that they are aware of.
The Ndzhenga Males seem to be content with the status of their cubs and their territory and find no need to engage in any unnecessary conflict that could otherwise impair their ability to fulfil their fatherly duties. Despite the smaller male sporting an injury to one of his front paws after an altercation late one night with the Black Dam Males, the two remaining Ndhzenga Males are in great shape and things look positive for them to hold on to their territory for the foreseeable future.
