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.
(05-05-2023, 08:06 PM)Mdz123 Wrote: Im very sad to hear that they lost another cub, but the good news is that since most of these survors are females, and in about a year the pride will soon have multiple adult lionesses ready to mate, and if the Nkuhlus take over, we can see a massvie rebirth of the pride as Nkuhlus can bring stability for a long time, they are 7 males in total.
Big coalition doesnt mean long term stability for certain pride.
Styxs where under 2 big coalitions previously, Bboys and Ndhzengas, and both ditched them after around 1 year or so.
As big coalitions "change" territory faster because they have upper hand over their neighbours.
By the looks of it Gijimas will be next Styxs pride males.
Nkuhlus are still nomads around Skukuza, nobody knows where they will settle.
Now I can see why bigger coalitions tend to keep their prides for a shorter preriod. But Gijimas are only 2, and they'll have to be looking over 2 prides and for 3 years if they want their cubs to survive, bigger coalitions can come overthrow during this time so I dont think they are good dominant males for this pride.
(05-05-2023, 08:26 PM)Mdz123 Wrote: Now I can see why bigger coalitions tend to keep their prides for a shorter preriod. But Gijimas are only 2, and they'll have to be looking over 2 prides and for 3 years if they want their cubs to survive, bigger coalitions can come overthrow during this time so I dont think they are good dominant males for this pride.
We cant think like that, every coalition faces threat to be overthrown, even 3, 4, 5 male coalition can lose territory, there is always a bigger and stronger fish.
Duos are more then capable to be territorial for that period, some of the most succesfull coalitions in Kruger are/where duos.
Most of territorial coalitions in Kruger are up to 3 members, above that is quite rare.
Their neighbours, S. Avocas are territorial for 5 years now in this area.
Obiviously if coalition of 4,5,6 males challenge them, odds are not great for them, but there is not a lot of those around.
I think the perfect number for a coalition lies around 2 or 3.
Having fewer numbers means that a coalition may struggle taking over a territory or defeating rivals.
But if you go any higher, the social cohesion of a coalition begins to suffer.
The males will focus more on the internal competition in the group rather than the one they have with the lions outside.
There will be more internal fighting with the risks of injuries it brings. Members may wander off to avoid the competition, perhaps even take over prides of their own. Wasting away the numeral advantage they have in the process..
In fact, splitting is fairly common in large groups.
Relying on numbers means that such coalitions has less of a need to develop extra skills or strategies. Making them vulnerable to have such tactics used against them.
But also means that once their number drop from five to two, those two lack the experience and confidence that a coalition that has always consisted of two would have.
Offcource thats not to say that every large coalition is doomed to falling apart into obscurity.
But even if they dont. Their size poses its own set of issues in relation to the prides they take over.
A smaller pride may not be able to hunt enough food to sustain such a large group. Especially once the cubs grow older.
That the coalition will be able to take over a pride whenever they want also means they may start to pride hop. Abandoning their previous prides for the mating opportunities that the next one offers.
Offcource there is also a lot of other factors in play. So in one reserve it may be closer to 2 while in the other closer to 3.
And ultimately. They are living animals with each their own cultures or personalities. So there are probably plenty of examples of duo coalitions collapsing due to infighting. Successful singular males or massive coalitions that function perfectly. But that is evolution for you. Always trying out new things. The only reason we have massive prides and coalitions right now is because a few panthers long ago were born less antisocial and realized that sticking together worked out better for them.
05-15-2023, 08:52 PM( This post was last modified: 05-15-2023, 08:53 PM by Tr1x24 )
I was concerned if all members are accounted for since recent turbulent times, where 1 sub female got killed and 1 adult female was mating with Gijimas, but rest of the gang is all here, recent shot (2 adults females and 6 subs) :
*This image is copyright of its original author
Subs are growing nicely, that first sub female is quite big already, as is young males behind.
2 females need to buy more time with Gijimas, although subs can hunt on their own at this stage, other lions would be big problem for them, they already lost 5 siblings to other lions, and thats with their mothers around.
Styx Pride subadults are split into two groups. One group: Young male and young female. Other group: Four young females. Two adult lionesses are believed to be with the Gijima males.
