It is just over two months since Amy Attenborough wrote a post on the Tsalala Young males, exploring their past, current status and possible future.
Speculation will always be rife when looking at the future of young male lions, yet it seems that the Tsalala Young males are already in trouble.
The Sabi Sands at the moment is a hotbed of male lion activity. Coalitions are roaming the area, some of them established, some of them not, but the territorial lines are very blurry at the moment, and just when we think we have seen the last of certain individuals, up they pop again.
It has been a few months since the Styx males featured prominently on Londolozi. Moving in after their fathers, the Majingilane, vacated the territory, they seemed to be on to a good thing until the arrival of the Fourways males. This next pair of males would also prove to be transient, as the Matshipiri males arrived and seem to have established themselves relatively firmly for now.
The three coalitions were all in and around Londolozi over the course of six months, but luckily for the Tsalala pride, generally stayed a few kilometres to the south of our section of Sand River, away from Tsalala pride territory. The Tsalala pride, and their young males in particular, were keeping under the radar. Seen in company with the Majingilane on one or two occasions, they have been essentially without a dominant male(s) for a long time now, and it is possible that this honeymoon period in the wake of Majingilane control is drawing to a close.
The young males in the pride will necessarily bear the brunt of the trouble that is coming their way.
A poignantly symbolic reminder of how at this age there is very little the young males can do for each other in terms of physical support. Two of the pride’s youngsters have their interest held elsewhere as their brother crosses the Sand River alone, hissing against the danger of crocodiles. Evasion and escape will be their tactic for a long time to come against other lions.
One of the young males leads the Tsalala pride across the river. The Sand River has been a huge part of these male’s upbringing, yet it won’t be too long until they are forced to say goodbye to it, if not permanently, then at least to this section for awhile.
Going back to what I said earlier, about how male lions are popping up where we least expect them, the Styx males, it seems, are back! Chased by the Majingilane a few weeks ago (one of the Styx males ran right through camp at 6am!), they have regrouped and have been hovering around the fringes of Tsalala territory.
The bond these Tsalala males have formed through their youth will be one of the most important factors in determining whether they make it to adulthood or not.
A two-and-a-half year old male lion’s worst nightmare; a rival adult male, looking to kill. This is one of the Styx males in pursuit of a Sparta lioness in December last year. Keep watching the blog to see a frighteningly similar photo from the Styx males’ recent pursuit of the Tsalala pride.
Exactly what took place a few days ago we will reveal in the next ten days, but suffice it to say the Tsalala pride, whose history is littered with drama, having been having a turbulent time of late. They were seen south of the Maxabene River near its confluence with the Sand River for the first time that I can remember (this is way outside their normal territory), and the lionesses have been doing all they can to keep the young ones ahead of the Styx – and other male – threat. Confirmed reports are that the pride actually left Londolozi, trailed a herd of buffalo all the way into the Kruger Park, then returned back to Londolozi the same night! That is a huge distance for a pride to cover!
I’d be interested to hear opinions on what might happen, but for now it is very evident that the young males are too young to survive on their own. The pride needs to stick together for at least another 6 months for the young males have a chance. Will they be able to do it? It’s anyone’s guess. Personally I doubt it, but these things are seldom easy to predict accurately.
Written and Photographed by James Tyrrell, Londolozi Ranger
Interesting lion dynamics. Apparently the Birmingham males are also wreaking havoc in the nothren section of the Sabi Sand. Just hope they dont come further south.
Hi Marinda,
The Birminghams are indeed causing chaos by the sounds of things. Apparently they killed one of the Styx lionesses a couple of days ago. The Majingilane accompany the Mhangeni pride into the north every now and then and I’m sure are still strong enough to ward off any Birmingham threat for now…
James
To be honest I dont see the Styx being dominant anywhere in the Sands one of the Fourways males is a Majingi son and can spread their genes in the south but Majingi genes run strong in many lions in the central Sands and although lions can inbreed a few generation without any huge effects in a huge open system like this I just dont see why it would be benefical from a breeding standpoint for the Styx too bred with related lions like their half sister the young Tsalala lioness when they could go spred their strong genes in the Manyeleti or Kruger and their are other coalitions around that are unrelated and larger and could provide more stability and fresher genes the Birminghams in my opinion are the future kings of both the northern and central Sabi Sands but like you said James these things are seldom easy too predict accuratley. Another awesome right up
Hi Blair,
Thanks for the insights. I too doubt the Styx males will ever be dominant over a pride/area, yet as a large male lion, you don’t necessarily have to be dominant to be a threat to other young males.
The Birminghams are certainly possible contenders for the throne. They still have a year or two to go until they reach full size, and whether they expand their area once that happens will be interesting to see, as they certainly may start encroaching into Tsalala territory.
James
I love STYX male , he is so handsome.
Great blog!
Personally, I don’t think the Styx males would be a big threat to these handsome sub-adults, at least not now. The two boys move between the Elephant Plains and Londolozi, not deciding on where to settle in. They stole food from Mhangeni Pride sometimes, without hurting the sub-adults or attempting to mate with the lionesses (the Majingilanes were not present, of course).
The Fourways Male are content with the Southern Pride now, so yeah.
Talking about the real threat, the Matshipiri would be one. However, I think the two may target at the remaining Sparta females first.
Also, Matimba are moving from the North to South. Will they decide to rob another pride for themselves in Londolozi? This is a question.
Judging from Majingilanes’ reactions towards Matshipiri (going back to Londolozi again a few days later), they may not be so tolerate as we think.
Hi Jo,
Thanks for the comments.
The Styx males did infact chase the Tsalala pride and the young males a couple of days ago. We will be releasing the footage and write-up in the next couple of days.
We have yet to see the Matimba males on Londolozi. The Birmingham male seem to be causing a lot of trouble up North. Once they reach full size it will be interesting to see what they do…
James
Hey James,
Thanks for the important info! I think the Styx males are still trying to find a position of their own. Hopefully the young brothers will figure it out as they grow up. Hope the sub-adults stay safe, too.
Many people have great hope for B-boys. They could be great as the Majingilane or even the Mapogo. But people had hope in some other lions who did not end up well, too. So let’s wait and see.
Very look forward to the upcoming blog and footage!
James, Matimbas have been spending most of their time recently on Hoffmans and N. MM whether that from being pushed south by the Birmingham’s or just following the Styx girls we do not know. It does seem they’re staying away from the northern areas of their territory ie: Djuma/Ararthusa/Buffelshoek recently.
Hi Jon,
Your comment is well-timed, as last night two of us bumped into what we think was one of the Matimba males, scent-marking south of the river and only a kilometre or so east of camp. As far as I know this is the first time one of these males has actually been viewed on Londolozi, although we know they have been through before.
He certainly had one of the biggest manes I’ve ever seen.
Was his presence a sign of things to come? What do you think?
James
Hi James Im not sure if you know what the 2 Matimbas look like so their is one with a more Ginger coloured mane and one with a Dark mane the Ginger one has a very distinctive scar on his right paw and the other one has dark belly hair.
Lots of interesting Lion dynamics going on James! It would be good if the Majingilane would return to protect their Tsalala sons and give them more time to grow stronger. I saw them first when they were young cubs and it would be so heartbreaking to lose any of them. I am surprised that the Styx males are challenging the Majingilane, since there are only two of them to the 4 Majingilane. Thanks for the great update James…keep us posted.
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the comments. I don’t think it’s that the Styx males are challenging the Majingilane, more that they are moving to a vacant area that the Majingilane have ostensibly left up for grabs.
James
Hi James,
Thanks for your response. I am hoping that the tense situation improves for the Tsalala young males and they stay safe. I’m looking forward to your next blog to hear what happens next!
Thanks for keeping us in the loop James! I am sure the tailless lioness will find a way to keep these young guys alive. Did you ever say which young male was hanging with the Tsalalas and is he still with them? The Tsalalas are really on the fringe of all the lions territories- Majingi west, Matshapiri south, Matimba north/east, it will be interesting to see if they can stay out of the war path.
I’m hoping with such a good pride behind them the boys are able to stay one step ahead of the many males seeking to claim Londolozi for themselves. I worry that once they’re kicked out, that’s where they may get themselves into trouble. Those Birmingham boys seem a bit ruthless already so I hope the Tsalala boys stay away from the north.
I hope the young Tsalala males make it long enough to survive on their own. perhaps the young Spara male will join them giving them some added experience and strength. no doubt this is a tough time for these guys. I hope they hang in there. please keep us updated.
Hope the young make it through against all odds.
Lizeka