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The Mighty Mapogos
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 (10-07-2021, 12:25 PM)Fordhsu Wrote:The 2 sub-adults males and the sub-adult lioness weren't seen since then. It’s unknown what happened to them. But, most likely they died or were killed by other lions(01-29-2017, 07:17 PM)fursan syed Wrote: Mawuwani : July 2012 Wildlife Journal 
Hello fellow lion enthusiasts,
Like many of you on this thread, I am sure, I was truly fascinated when I first learned about the existence of the lion coalitions of the Sabi Sands. There is something about the way those social cats live their lives, a constant back and forth for control and survival, that spoke to me and inspired me to write a novel which I am now sharing with you. The story is centered around the infamous Mapogo coalition and the idea is to tell the events of their lives as if seen from the point of view of the lions themselves. Since the Wildfact forum was instrumental in my research for source material, I wanted to thank you all for the huge amount of information that you that have posted here and let you know that, should you be interested in reading it, the ebook is going to be available for free on Amazon, starting tomorrow and until November 3rd. The title of the book is The Far Side of Grass: Tale of the Mapogo Lions Admin, if this post is a violation of the Forum’s policy, feel free to delete.
” – A person whose fame or notoriety makes him a source of exaggerated or romanticised tales or exploits.
‘Legend’ is a word that is thrown around all too often in this day and age, but the term surmises the reign of the Mapogo lions in the Sabi Sands to perfection. For the last six years or so, this notorious band of brothers has ruled the area with an iron paw. They are true warriors and have proved themselves time after time on the field of battle. During their prime, 6 of these magnificent specimens patrolled their territory, dispatching all competitors and striking fear into the hearts of all that found themselves in their way. The lions of Mapogo, Sabi Sands © Richard de Gouveia Legend has it that the Mapogo has been responsible for killing more than 40 males, females and cubs as they stamped their authority on their domain. Whole prides have been wiped out in their relentless march for dominance and challengers have been eaten in an act of defiance: a fate almost unheard of in the species of Panthera leo. The former warden of the Sabi Sands has been cited saying that he believes them accountable for over 100 lion fatalities although the true number will probably never be known. Never before has the lion population known such a force and it is stories like this that have elevated their exploits to legendary status. The lions of Mapogo, Sabi Sands © Ben Coley The lions of Mapogo, Sabi Sands © Richard de Gouveia These brothers may have a fearsome reputation, but in the world of the lion, they should be seen as the epitomes of what a successful coalition should be. They have been labelled as sadistic and remorseless to mention only a few adjectives assigned to them, but their exploits have ensured safe breeding grounds and stability in an area of unusually high competition. Their success has changed the dynamic of the lion population in this area forever, and it is no surprise to me that litters are becoming more and more skewed in favour of male offspring. This is an inevitable outcome as nature attempts to balance the scales and provide a more level playing field. In recent years, new and equally formidable coalitions have been responsible for whittling down the Mapogo’s numbers as territorial lines were drawn in the sand and crossed, and repeated battles were waged. The Majingilanes in the north and the Southern Pride males in the south have both had their say in the shaping of the new regime, and now all that remains of the mighty Mapogo are two ageing specimens known as Makhulu and Pretty Boy. Since being overthrown by the Southern Pride males, the last of these legends have been sighted regularly on Sabi Sabi as they search for new territory or maybe just sanctuary as they live out the remainder of their days. At 14 and 11 years of age, they have surpassed the life expectancy of most male lions and carry the scars of years of conflict on the front linePeering into those yellow abysses, one can truly feel the history and experience of many a hard-fought battle in which the deciding factor was not just power, but a will to survive. Their eyes bore through you like no other lions I have even seen, and I refuse to believe anyone who claims to not feel a slight pang of uncertainty when they stare back at you. The uneasiness of their presence is something that I have never felt before when watching the Kruger males. For fear of downplaying the current kings of Sabi Sabi, the last of the Mapogo make them look like kittens.In conclusion then, legendary status is hard to achieve but ask anyone who has worked in the Sabi Sands for the last seven years, and they will tell you tales of the Mapogo. Sadistic tyrants or protective fathers? Both could be claimed true, but the fact is that their arrival heralded a new age of the lion population in the Sabi Sands. Love them or hate them, their exploits will never be forgotten. These tales will no doubt be embellished and exaggerated, but this is how great icons are born. Over time, these stories will become myths and myths will become legends: a fitting legacy for the most famous lions of the modern era..  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
THIS IS SPARTA
The legendary pride from which the Mapogos originate no longer exists. In memory of the Sparta pride!
The Robson male Lions Stompie & 1eye (sons of Split Rock males Scar and Tyson) were also part of the great Mapogo era...
I'm curious about something. I want to ask if Mr. T and Kinky Tail have met their brothers at any time after the split, or if when Mr. T meets them after the death of KT is the first time they see each other since the split.
Golf Course male Lions: Fathers of Selati lions and Rivals of the Mapogos.
(01-05-2022, 08:43 AM)Mapokser Wrote: I'm curious about something. I want to ask if Mr. T and Kinky Tail have met their brothers at any time after the split, or if when Mr. T meets them after the death of KT is the first time they see each other since the split. They met a couple of times after their split, stay together for days and roamed through their big kingdom.
Safari Highlights of 2009
Makhulu, Dreadlocks, Pretty boy and Rasta mapogo ruling the West. Enjoy the 4 Kings in their Prime-time (01-13-2022, 12:26 AM)Leo Aslan Wrote:(01-05-2022, 08:43 AM)Mapokser Wrote: I'm curious about something. I want to ask if Mr. T and Kinky Tail have met their brothers at any time after the split, or if when Mr. T meets them after the death of KT is the first time they see each other since the split. That's great to know! Do you have any ranger report, source, or anything on that? |
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