As the nights lengthen and the temperature drops, there is nothing better than sitting around an African fire being serenaded by the calls of lions. Although there have been a number of different male lion coalitions providing these calls over the last few months, some new voices have entered the fray in the last two weeks. Who are these lions and what are their intentions here on Londolozi?
The Matshipiri pride of three drinking from a pan. This was the very first night they were found on Londolozi and were seen calling and scent marking from the moment they arrived. Photo: Sean Cresswell
The group consists of two males and one female and were seen unashamedly calling and scent marking throughout the heart of Londolozi. They were a little skittish around vehicles, particularly during the day, and would flatten their ears, growl or flick their tails if vehicles got too close to them. Judging by the direction they had come from and their reaction to off-roading, we believed that these lions had come to Londolozi from Kruger.
After looking into it, we have been able to ascertain that this pride is called the Matshapiri Pride and comes from Skukuza in the Kruger. They are estimated to be about six years old and although their area of birth is not known they were first reported around Skukuza in 2014. Since early April this year, lodges in the Northern parts of the Sabi Sands (Nkorho, Umkumbe and Cheetah Plains) have reported seeing them and we know that they have also been seen calling and scent marking in Mala Mala and as far south as Sabi Sabi.
A slightly intimidating look from the fuller-maned brother in the coalition. Photo: Amy Attenborough
The movement of males like this is not unusual and is in fact incredibly important for the dispersal of genes. If male lions stayed in the area that they were born when they reached sexual maturity they would end up mating with their mothers and sisters and this sort of inbreeding would ultimately hinder the strength of the species. What is interesting however is that they have a female travelling with them. Typically males will leave their natal pride and establish a territory on their own before joining up and mating with females in that new area. Is she their sister or just a lone female that joined up with them at some point? Of this we are not sure and will probably not get an answer but we know that she has been with this coalition permanently since 2014 at least and has even been seen mating with one of the males.
Although this female is a part of the pride and is moving with the males at all times, there is no love lost between the pride members over meat. This female managed to single-handedly catch an impala on their first night in Londolozi, which the two males swiftly stole from her and dominated. Photo: Sean Cresswell
What is also interesting, is the manner in which this pride has arrived. Where other male coalitions such as the Styx and Fourways males have tentatively entered Londolozi, this pride has certainly left their mark. They tend to move big distances, confidently roaring and scent marking all the way before looping back on themselves to the east. At one point they were most definitely in earshot of the Majingilane, who we had tracks of crossing back into Londolozi but from what we can tell they never actually met up. Did two of the Majingilane get scared off and move back west to call their brothers or did they just decide to let the matter lie? We are not sure but to this day we are still waiting on a response from the coalition of four to our west.
This brother with the slightly fuller mane has a distinctive round scar on his nose and one closer to his eye, which helped us to positively identify the group. Photo: Amy Attenborough
What we do know though is that it has certainly got the rangers and guests very excited as well as reminded us just how fantastic it is to work in such a large and wild area. It is a reminder of how important large expanses of wilderness such as the Greater Kruger National Park and Limpopo National Park are, where lions and other animals can move like this, unhindered by human involvement. Where have these lions gone, will they be back again and are they the next pride to stir up the lion dynamics on Londolozi once again? It seems for now, all we can do is wait and see.
Have any of you ever seen this pride before and if so where? We would also love to hear about some of your favourite encounters with big male lions.
Great blog Amy really interesting with this new group I for one hope they stick around but time will tell. Have the Majingilane pretty much completely abandoned Londolozi?
Hi Blair. No I wouldn’t say they’ve completely abandoned the territory but their presence is becoming less and less common here. Their apparent lack of a reaction to these newcomers has also left us with questions about whether they are scared to take on the new coalition or if they are just unfazed by it. It certainly is a very interesting time to be watching the dynamics unfold.
Apparently there are another two females who arent with this breakaway at the moment. Original composition 3 F, 2 YM
That’s really interesting! Thanks Justin. All the information I had found on this pride was just about the three of them. Do you know when they were last seen with the other two females? And do you have any idea where they were originally from? Also are the three females from their natal pride?
Apologies for the delayed response, didnt get an email re your reply. Origin is around the Skukuza area of KNP and I’ll check and let you know when they were last seen.
Interesting blog. Great video.
Thanks for the update Amy, very exciting times for sure!
Do you approach this group of lions as you were with the Majingilane? Do you have to stay farther away with the vehicles. I was fascinated on our drives with how close we came to the lions. I love your blogs. Thank you
Hi Lynne. Thank you so much. Yes we definitely have to stay further away from these lions than the Majingilane, although they are more confident at night with vehicles than they are during the day. We are not sure where they were born so maybe they didn’t experience many vehicles when they were young and around Skukuza they possibly move off the roads where no one can follow them meaning they are just not as used to being viewed as the Majingilane.
Great blog Amy! I love hearing about the Lion dynamics. Interesting how confident this new group is…vocalizing and scent marking. I really hope the Majingilane are not gone for good…they are so regal and incredible to see. Thanks for the update!
NEVER TOO MANY LIONS FOR ME OR FOR THE WILD . ONE LONELY LIONESS HATE TO SEE HER GETTING HER SHARE OF ANY KILL
Fascinating watching the lion dynamics unfold. Can you please tell me how the various lion groups get their name.
Hi Janice. Normally prides will be named based on the area that they are territorial but to be honest we don’t know how this pride got its name. We are still trying to find out more information about them so if anyone else can shed some more light on their origins and movements, that would be great.
Thanks for the blog updates and images which are brilliant. Its really interesting to see how many different coalitions could potentially fill the void left by the Majingilane..
Well that is certainly giving all in the Conservancy something interesting to watch & see where it goes & what comes of this “new” addition to the Lion dynamics. I am quite glad that they are shy of the vehicles as, like all wild creatures, they are just that WILD!! Thanks Amy
There were reports that as soon matshipiri male sensed the nearness of majingalani ran away from buffalo feeding and then united with brother started making calls ????