There are a couple of words and phrases that the Londolozi rangers use on the radio that get my pulse – and I’m pretty sure the pulses of the rest of the team – racing. “Located”, “interaction” and “highly mobile” are three examples. Used individually, they set the imagination to work, wondering what it is that the other ranger calling it in is privileged enough to be witnessing.
So when ranger James Crookes used all three of the above to describe the 6 (yes, 6!!) male lions that he found a few mornings ago, I knew we were about to see something special.
One of the Majingilane lunges for the intruder male’s rear flank. This is the natural area for lions to attack each other since it is at the opposite end to the dangerous teeth and claws of their opponent.
Hurrying down the road to the clearing where James had found the lions, we rounded the final corner to be greeted by an incredibly dramatic sight of 3 big male lions, roaring their lungs out, chasing another 3 across the grassy plain. We were very close to our Southern boundary and at first were unsure as to the identity of any of these males. To be honest, I didn’t even care at first, I was simply speechless at the awe-inspiring sight of 6 males in line astern, all running fast with that typical lion gait, manes billowing in the wind as 3 of them ran for their lives while the other 3 chased to kill!
The by-now injured male roars defiance as Ranger Lucien Beaumont and Tracker James Siwela with their guests look on in the background. One can clearly see the underdeveloped mane of this male lion in these pictures. If you look carefully you can see the third Majingilane male on the right of the picture, making his way back towards the action.
As it turns out, the 3 doing the chasing were from the all-powerful Majingilane Coalition, while the other 3 that were fleeing were unknown to us. Reports of their presence and incursion from the Kruger National Park have been filtering in recently – two magnificent males with big manes and a third with an underdeveloped mane – often a sign of stress in older male lions.
Current dynamics aside, the underdeveloped maned lion made a grievous error in splitting off from his two brothers, swinging west as the other two fled south over our boundary onto safer territory, pursued by one of the Majingilane. The two remaining Majingilane stuck on the tail of the underdeveloped male, and it was these lions that we followed.
We struggled to keep up over rocky terrain and through dense bush, eventually losing sight of the 3 as they crossed a deep drainage line. Switching off our vehicles to listen, we could hear the sounds of bellowing and snarling from not far away; it seemed as if the underdeveloped male had been caught! We were forced to drive back around the drainage line to get to the scene of the conflict, but by that time it was almost over. The third Majingilane had returned to join his brothers, and the three of them lay in a triangle, in the middle of which was their vanquished foe, the gaping bite-marks and blood on his flanks and rump the clear evidence of the mauling he had just received.
Still with some fight left in him, the injured male charges up the termite mound, forcing a hasty retreat from one of his antagonists.
He was to lie there for the day, cowed and beaten and with the Majingilane watching over him, until chance and incredibly good fortune most probably saved his life. Early in the afternoon a herd of elephants caught the scent of the lions and came running in to chase them off. The Majingilane fled in one direction while the defeated male took his chance to make a dash for safety in the opposite direction, heading south to try and find his coalition-mates.
Two of the Majingilane coalition roar their dominance from a termite mound overlooking their vanquished foe. Scent-marking and roaring, two actions that establish territory and dominance, are standard behavior after encounters like this.
Some of the injured male’s wounds can be seen here. Weakened by a severe mauling and with possible spinal injuries, he still managed to make good his escape a few hours later.
Will we see him or his brothers again? Time will tell, but one thing is clear for now; the strangle-hold that the Majingilane have over the central Sabi Sands is as strong as ever!
Extra pictures of the fight taken by Lucien Beaumont
One of the Majingilane Males who was involved in the fight
Written by James Tyrrell
Photographed by James Tyrrell and Lucien Beaumont
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Very interesting article. Thank you.
But, my question is: Why didn’t the Majingis kill the intruder like they did with one of the Selatis or with Kinky Tail? Was the intruder too strong or didn’t they have enough time?
I think in this case they realized he was beaten and no further threat to them. They lay around him for a long time, and only when it seemed like he would try to make a break for it did they become aggressive again. Possibly they realized that the combination of stress and injuries would weaken him further throughout the day and he would be far easier to finish off towards nightfall; it was only the timely intervention by the elephants that saved him.
Daniel the reason is that the majin’s didn’t see him as a threat and he is a subadult so they didn’t attack to kill just giving him a warning. In saying that he is a very lucky subadult male lion to get away with he’s life,he has two older brothers or cousins that he belongs to they are nomadic lions they weren’t with him at the time because they new the main’s were around.Ps nomadic lions avoid territory males until they become fully grown males them-selfs and seek a pride of lioness and then become territory males. I hope this info helps answer your question.
Reguards Jason
Amazing sighting James. I am incredibly envious that you witnessed such a spectacular showdown!! Great shots from you and Lucien as well!! rich
Amazing pics
Thanks a lot James! The intruder is one VERY lucky lion. Not many lions get away once 3 Majingilane have a full grip. The Majings involved look like Scarenose and Goldman. who was the 3rd Majing?
Hip-Scar was the 3rd one involved. The missing male was Dark Mane who was found just west of camp that morning.
Thanks a lot James. That is what I expected
AMAZING sighting but what chance does the injured lion have of surviving that attack? Thank you for sharing.
Anne it remains to be seen. We weren’t able to get an accurate idea of how badly he was injured unfortunately. John Varty stayed with the lions all morning until the elephants came and scared them away, and he said at one point the injured male was really struggling to move around or even stand up. However, when he got his opportunity to escape, he took it and fled at full speed.
Reports form Sabi Sabi to our South are that the injured male reunited with his two coalition-mates that evening, so we will have to see if they are brave enough to stick around on the borders of the Majingilane’s territory.
As far as we know, the Southern or Selati Pride at the moment have only one dominant male in charge, so they are ripe for a conquest. Biggest pride in the Sabi Sands with almost 20 members… a perfect target for three new males…
As ususal, a great write up. Amazing this nomad got away, with the elephants certainly playing an important role. But without any doubts: this nomadic male saved his life by himself to a large degree. He fought back bravely as per pics and report. Showing not being an easy target. Very often this makes the superior opponents thinking twice to risk a serious injury, especially if there is nothing left to prove. The Majingilanes are a formidable force. Glad the nomad go away!
He was seen the next day with the other 2 nomads further south, walking fine … good news, his spine is fine, hips and legs not injured as well. Nasty wounds though, hence I think there is a very good chance for a full recovery.
Hi James, thanks a lot for keeping us informed on the events of last week, and the information given. What would be your estimation of age of the injured lion as you mention stress could be the reason for the undeveloped mane of older males ? Also, have you or your colleague-rangers been able to catch some daylight-pics of the other 2 fleeing lions ? Many people wondering which lions these may be. Thanks again for sharing and best regards
Thanks James! I have the same question here as Patrik…Is he a sub-adult or an old lion?…and any estimate of age for the other two? …Thanks
Great questions! Age and also what coalition can these three nomads be a part of – in other words, what pride and which lion coalition might they be children of?
Wow what an amazing sighting to have encountered….so so envious!!
just wondering about the injured male…you had mentioned spinal injuries…is this something that we will eventually hinder his exsitence??
again thank you for sharing these incredible sightings.
Great sighting!
Was the short maned lion an old stressed lion, or just young?
Thanks for an awesome write up.
Am so glad that you managed to take photos though i think it would have been better had you managed to capture it on film.The mapogos were captured so much on film during their happy times when they were the dominant coalition and during their difficult times when Kinky was killed by the Majingilane & Satan by the selati,but there has been less filming or none on Majingilanis & Selatis!Is it lack of interest on these coalitions compared to the Mapogos?Away from that story this male that was being attacked which is younger i believe should have gotten away from the majingis cause i believe he should have much more speed than these older lions lucky for him the Elephants gave him a lifeline,that’s why sometimes i believe lions are not intelligent & just die young out of ignorance.
Tim we have HUGE amounts of footage of these Majingilane Males. It just takes longer to edit film (post production) then it does photograph. Have a look at this link
Majingilane: The Story of Lion Warfare
Documentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n5Pbe2w_IE
I think you will now understand! These Majingilane have a MASSIVE following
Thanks Adam for your information.Now “Majingilane:The story of lion warfare” is a film which i have already watched a long time back.That is the reason i was saying we do not have any films on the majingis and selatis like we had on the Mapogos of which were countless that i can not remember how many films i have watched of the mapogos because i can say they were several.I understand when you say editing takes some time but i have only watched one film of the majingilanes which is The story of Lion Warfare,it would have been different if you told me there are couple of films on them apart from warfare.This gives one the feeling that the mapogos were the favorite coalition of lions and that was why they were filmed occasionally time and again and that these other coalitions are not as interesting to the majority of wildlife researchers.
Tim,
One explanation is that the Mapogos were in charge during 6 years, the Majingilanes now 2 years. Moreover, Mapogos were in the spotlight due to the live drives of Wildearth. But you can find a good number of short (or also some longer) video clips on youtube by typing the word Majingilane.
Thanks Patrik.I will try and view the video clips of the majingis on you tube by typing the word Majingilane.I enjoy watching these footage especially the longer clips.At least you have explained partly why their videos don’t seem many,I had overlooked the fact the mapogos had reined for a longer period of time and the Majingis are only starting out.Thanks alot.
Unbelievable photographs! What a sighting!
We saw the male with the undeveloped mane and his brother hiding out from the “four brothers.” I guess it was just a matter of time. The pictures are incredible. I would be curious to know if the injured lion survives too. Your proximity to the fight is amazing!
Great write up and awesome sighting. Thanks
WOW! Thanks for your amazing pics and great write up. I am sure glad that I am not a male lion.
Wish I was there!
Looks like they made it down to Sabi Sabi where we were recently! http://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1816/new-kidz-on-the-block/#more-1816
Hi James! Ahh, brings back memories from the battle our group and you witnessed last November. I can still hear the growls of the fighting males. Hope you’re doing well along with everyone else.
Hi John, good to hear from you!
That was indeed an amazing spectacle, I remember it well!
When are you coming back for another visit?
James
Hey John! How are you all? I’m booked for a return in January. Maybe we should get the band back together? Please say hello to everyone for me!
And James, I’m putting in a request now for lion warfare sightings during my stay. I’m sure you guys can make it happen! 😉 Getting so excited! Those puncture wounds look so deep and painful. It’s a wonder he could walk let alone run away. Poor guy.
For now, there will be no stopping the Majingilane Coalition! Long live the Kings!
Very fierce encounter hopefully the wounds on the young male don’t get infected and he can make a full recovery.
Makes the itch to return even greater. Amazing pics. Being that close in an open aired jeep must have been incredible.
Wow, that isn’t something you witness very often! the power and the violence of these warriors is amazing.. Thank you for sharing..
Wow, how amazing, I hope the Majingilane Coalition will hold on for a time, so the cubs will be safe. Thank you very much for this spectacle pictures and writing.
Thanks to everyone involved for a great blog. Living in Cape Town these blogs are my link to the bush and with big stories like this I always like to read the comments to see what happens after the fact. Thanks to Peter for the update, I’m pleased to here he is walking fine and hope to hear news of the injuries healing well soon! What a fight!
Great pics/blog there.Love following these Coalitions,such amazing animals.Hate to see one guy caught by 3 or 4 thou,it just ain’t a fair fight.That’s nature eh! Delighted he took the opportunity to get out of there when he could,lucky fella.I’d say these guys (the majingilanes) have a few years reign in them yet,as they were young enough when they ousted the mapogo, probably in their prime now.Be amazing to get a first hand view of it all out there one day! Keep the reports comin’.
not even elephants would help this boy if dark mane was invold in fight 🙂 anyway who knows about size of majingilanes and seletis? who are the bigger lions?
Marco the Majingilane are considerably bigger than the Selati Males. The Selatis, although now controlling the Western sector of the Sabi Sands, would most likely come off 2nd best in a fight against the Majingilane. The Selati males managed to defeat the Mapogo because the Mapogo were past their prime, whereas they would not have the same kind of success were they to take on the Majingis.
These three males have shown up again in Kirkmans Kamp again (2 NOv 2012) – the short maned male looks to have healed up nicely. Hope they learnt their lesson and stay away.
In all of this action… just photos and no video of the action?? video wud have been much too good to leave out on this one 🙁
very very sharp heart
How sad ! And watch them ganging up against one lonely male is totally repulsive to me . At least this male escape unlike so many poor lonely lioness & lions