Before we tell you about our recent sightings from the past five days, here’s a brief background and quick catch-up from the past 10 days:
- The Mohlabetsi males are a coalition of 4 lions, with Duma’s brother at the forefront of the group.
- The coalition appears to rule over the Impalabos Pride, River Pride and the Mohlabetsi Pride.
- The River Pride is often seen in various sub-groups and split offs. It’s a pride of 13, so we’re not surprised.
- Duma’s Pride seems to avoid the coalition of four.
- It is speculated that Duma fled to the neighbouring Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, but has recently returned. Duma’s brother appeared to have a scuffle a few days ago and rangers are wondering if it wasn’t perhaps a showdown between him and his brother.
A couple of days ago a lone female was seen casually cruising on a pathway leading from the waterhole back into the thickets. With a full belly and fur looking bedraggled from devouring a meal, it was clear she was going to return to the kill site. The game viewer followed the lioness from a safe distance as she headed west.
The lioness from the River Pride eventually led everyone to an open area where a young male was waiting close to a recent giraffe kill. The two lions relaxed together close to the kill. The young male lion is rumoured to be about 5 years old and is one of the youngsters from the River Pride.
Thus far, the Mohlabetsi crew have not sought any type of showdown or fight with this male and have let him stay within the pride.
Questions are:
- Have the coalition decided that the male is now a huge threat and kicked him out?
- Did the lone lioness follow this male in his quest for a new life?
- Was it the lionesses in the pride that ouster him in order for him to seek his own pride and territory?
- Because of the drought conditions, has the weather had an adverse effect on the pride functioning together? Have they split off?
Within the next year, as the youngsters grow, the dynamics will shift. Young males are always challenging the status quo!
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