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.
(07-15-2024, 09:28 PM)Mapokser Wrote: Just because they apparently let this sub go this time it doesn't mean they'll be as merciful next time.
I dont think they see Othawas as subs anymore, yet as potentially mates.
They are over 3 yrs old, they can be mating partners very soon.
Theres plenty examples of females mating and giving birth already at 3 - 3.5 yrs of age.
They've been on their own for so long now, it's possible they could end up like the Southern Pride girls and be going early. I really don't know how that works, but it seems logical that if they've been on their own acting older than their age for this long it seems reasonable they'd mature earlier in that sense as well.
Its hard to tell without any context what is going on. I don't think its estrus as everybody is just standing there. There isn't much tension between the males over mating rights, nor any real attempt to approach or smell her.
Most likely this was just a chance encounter.
Personally I think it would be better if they waited a few years. The PCmales are in no position to take another pride under their wing and if they are in the west they usually spend their time with the Ximhungwes. So right now the Othawas would be raising the cubs without much protection. Should any be born now.
So they would be better of waiting for a new coalition.
07-15-2024, 11:24 PM( This post was last modified: 07-15-2024, 11:25 PM by Tr1x24 )
(07-15-2024, 11:16 PM)Duco Ndona Wrote: Personally I think it would be better if they waited a few years. The PCmales are in no position to take another pride under their wing and if they are in the west they usually spend their time with the Ximhungwes. So right now the Othawas would be raising the cubs without much protection. Should any be born now.
So they would be better of waiting for a new coalition.
With Ximhungwes and Mhangenis having cubs before them, Othawas will always be on backseat numbers and position wise in the West, regardless of coalitions there.
I think its better for them to have cubs as soon as possible, before Ximhungwe and Mhangeni cubs grow up and those prides strenghten their adult numbers even more (currently its 2 Othawas vs 2 Ximhungwes, vs 3 Mhangenis, thats not bad for Othawas atm, for raising cubs).
Unless the Ximhungwes lose all theirs, I think the Othawas are too much behind to catch up already.
If things stay the way they are now, I think the only way they can compete in the future is to gain the significant backing of a male coalition.
07-16-2024, 01:05 AM( This post was last modified: 07-16-2024, 01:08 AM by Tr1x24 )
(07-16-2024, 12:09 AM)Duco Ndona Wrote: Unless the Ximhungwes lose all theirs, I think the Othawas are too much behind to catch up already.
If things stay the way they are now, I think the only way they can compete in the future is to gain the significant backing of a male coalition.
Ximhungwes only have 2 cubs (unless Ximhungwe gives birth again), Othawas in theory could have more, as 1 female usually has 2- 3 cubs.
Having backing of a coalition is tricky to have as weaker/semi nomadic pride.
This could work, for example, if new coalition comes now in West, PCMs abandon or get ousted from area, Ximhugwes would need to go nomadic if they want to save their cubs, while Othawas would be in the right spot as they will be in estrus and will be first to mate with new coalition, becoming their main and territorial pride.
Basically same as what happened with Ximhungwes and Othawas 2 yrs ago when Nhenha/NK came and ousted Tumbela, when tables turned, as Othawas had cubs to protect, while Ximhungwes where in right spot for mating.
But i dont think that will happen anytime soon, theres no strong up and coming coalition around to beat PCMs in the West, unless they completley abandon West, which they will not by the looks of it (yet).
So its very likely that Othawas will mate with PCMs in future.
First time lionesses have typically smaller liters. And while the Ximhungwes only have two cubs, They have years of an advantage on them and a much better position for the cubs to actually make it.
Being a experienced territorial pride with two pride males, rather than two semi-nomadic first time mothers with barely any male protection. So I fear by the time the Othawas manage to make one cub survive to adulthood. Gingerella will already be a grandmother.
Otherwise, I agree that strategically is pretty much the best case scenario for the Othawas. Even though biology will have the final call in the end.
