The lion pride dynamics of the Balule Nature Reserve are fast becoming an intricate minefield of power, bravado and nervousness. There’s always a shift in dynamics within prides when sub-adult males become testosterone fuelled beasts ready to mark their mark in the “jungle” and claim territories. This is exactly what has been happening on the traverse covering the central and southern parts of the Balule Nature Reserve. The lions we’re referring to are the Mohlabetsi coalition of males, a group of 4 males from the Mohlabetsi pride who seemingly reign over the Mohlabetsi, River and Impalabos Prides. At the forefront of the coalition is the big Mohlabetsi male, a rugged, rough and handsome lion – Duma’s brother in fact.
The feedback sent from guide and lodge manager Jochen has been an endless flood of reports displaying a clear shift in kingdoms and a fight for control over local prides. Certain prides have scattered and others hide when they sense this thunderous force of males approaching.
Here are the antics and the chaos over the past few weeks. If you’re wanting an exciting lion story to follow, we suggest you trail the story of the Mohlabetsi coalition of males. They’re a formidable force and they’ll stop at nothing to take over turf. Their original pride, the Mohlabetsis, are the only ones that aren’t avoiding the coalition. They’re on the far southeast of the Ezulwini traverse, so the full pride hasn’t been seen in quite sometime. Another pride, the Impalabos, seem to have gone east, which is why they haven’t been seen in a while.
Here’s the lowdown, straight from Jochen:
The boys of the Balule have tried to dominate and lead the River Pride, but the pride is avoiding the powerful coalition. The River Pride used to dwell in the confines of Ezulwini River Lodge but they’ve moved further downstream in order to avoid the Mohlabetsi coalition. The tracks from the River Pride are often seen on the access road, but the lions move back to more hidden territory before dawn.
Jochen says, ” Duma’s pride is playing hide and seek with the coalition of four males. One day, the four males came from the property on our eastern boundary (where the River Pride is hiding), and went west along the river, to finally catch a buffalo very close to Billy’s lodge. This is also very close to where Duma’s pride normally hangs out. But it’s obvious that the pride wants nothing to do with the coalition. In an “attempt” to escape from them – they went all the way south, deep into Mohlabetsi pride territory. Here we found them resting under some shrubs. The next day the coalition moved back east, and Duma’s pride moved back west.”
The coalition of 4 males rules in the centre of Ezulwini traverse. The blonde male and the adult male with the dark mane are the oldest of the four. The dark maned male is Duma’s brother. There are two youngsters together with the older boys.
The coalition appeared to come from the south (where the Mohlabetsi pride often hangs out), but then turned northeast towards where the River pride is mostly seen. A few days ago we heard they made a buffalo kill even further to the west. It’s clear these four males now control the majority of the Ezulwini traverse!
The most exciting lion sighting was that of the Singwe pride having a full throttle head on collision with Duma’s brother.
Here’s what happened…
Jochen says, “In the early morning, Frans and Hector, guide and tracker at Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge, found the Singwe pride on a buffalo kill in a drainage line very close to the lodge. There was a huge noise coming from the same drainage line but in a westerly direction.”
What ensued was remarkable. There was actually another buffalo kill made by lions. It was assumed that it was the work of Duma’s Pride. It would make sense, given that the western side is their turf. A huge male appeared from the drainage line and chased away the Singwe Pride. He sauntered straight past the game viewer before disappearing north of the Ezulwini traverse. The Singwe Pride fled while the huge male continued to give chase. Everyone assumed it was Duma, given the blonde locks and fearsome attitude.
Jochen continues, “Back in the lodge we looked at our images. Wait a minute! This wasn’t Duma! This was Duma’s brother! If he’s so close to Billy’s, then surely his three other mates must be close? This is the furthest west we’ve ever seen the coalition of four males. Certainly not good news for Duma and his pride. One of the guides speculates that Duma may have been spotted in the Klaserie, heading east”.
We certainly hope you’ve enjoyed our Balule lion catch up!
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