Wildlife Diary

Lion Warfare – An Update Part 2

July 6, 2010

2 July – Reports on the web suggest that Mohawk is not just with his three brothers but with the 4. This makes it 5 males in the west. A massive force and potentially enough to fight off the new coalition. Have also noted that areas have started calling the new males the Majingilane Males but still waiting for clarification as to the origins and meaning of the name.

Lion Warfare – An Update

July 1, 2010

On the 9th June 2010, one of the Sabi Sand’s most notorious male lions, Kinky-Tail was killed. Since then, the dynamics of lions in the Sabi Sands has changed dramatically. At this stage we are not completely sure of what is happening but the best thing we can provide all you keen followers of these lions is with a blow-by-blow update on the way things have panned out over the last few days. By tying all the sightings and interactions together we are watching the story unfold. Whatever that story may be, it is evident that we are witnessing one of the most fascinating times at Londolozi, and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, in terms of lion pride dynamics as the future is uncertain.

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The Mapogo Males – The Deep Dark Underworld of the Sabi Sands

June 28, 2010

He looked like a rough cut diamond. The torn ears, bleeding snout and lacerated lip framed the fiercely burning fire that still raged on is his eyes. This male lion was once part of a nomadic pride of 6. Now, he finds himself covering vast distances of his territory alone to secure dominance and ownership. His prides are sparsely scattered and food is never guaranteed. So what went down?

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Caught in the Act

June 16, 2010

Londolozi has always been an incredible place to witness unique encounters between large predators. With a high density of predators roaming throughout the reserve and into the Kruger National Park, it is hardly surprising that such encounters are witnessed by guides and their guests. Former Londolozi Ranger, Gavin Lautenbach, witnessed one such encounter in 2009. Submitting his footage to National Geographic, his story was featured on their show: Caught in the Act.

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A Moment of Sadness?

June 10, 2010

There has been a coup in the Sabi Sands….
If you are one of those avid fans of wildlife that have your finger on the pulse of the big cat comings and goings within the Sabi Sands then you will already know of the recent shift in lion dynamics and the demise of one of the famed Mapogo lions ‘Kinky Tail’. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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The Sunsetbend Legacy

May 20, 2010

It was about this time last year that we said our final goodbye to the 3:4 Female as she slipped into that immortal realm of great Londolozi Leopards. This autumn it is with immense sadness that we report the loss of the Sunset-Bend Female as she joins that exclusive club. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Full Moons and Space Stations

May 10, 2010

Boston
I’m guessing that most children dream of being an astronaut at one time or another in their lives. I too dreamt of the magic of weightlessness and spent many hours picturing myself hitting booming golf shots in the sea of tranquility or driving moon buggies recklessly whilst peppering the moon with aluminum foil flags. To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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Python Eats Bushbuck

May 6, 2010

Two of our guests were strolling along the walkway between Granite and Varty camp when they saw a female bushbuck staring intently at the slated bridge. The bushbuck was distressed and decidedly nervous about something. On closer inspection, the scaled patterns from the python twitched, breaking its camouflage and revealing the massive bulbous mass ingested within. Much to the distress of the mother, the python had caught and eaten an entire baby bushbuck. To view the full post and picture click on the heading above.

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Learning Through Playing

April 19, 2010

The Dudley Riverbank female leopard had opened her sleepy eye at the commotion below. Monkeys who had been incessantly racketing were now screaming in a frantic frenzy of fear and anger. A member of the troop had been tackled off a log into the thick scrub and now lay in the clutches of its pursuer, fighting an impending fate. The hunter was far from deadly, far from a killer, just a young leopard cub….the Dudley Riverbank female’s only remaining cub. To view the full post click on the heading above.

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Are 4 Wildebeest Too Much For One Pride?

April 15, 2010

The Tsalala pride never fail to impress me. As far as a group of lions go, they are remarkably successful, enduring and deadly. Instantly recognisable by the lioness with no tail (a result of a vicious encounter with a hyena) these lions dominate the northern expanse of Londolozi. Cunning and collected, their lethargic demeanour often gives away a false sense of apathy, yet nothing could be further from the truth….To view the full post and video click on the heading above.

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