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Rich Laburn

Head of Digital

Rich is the driving force behind Londolozi’s online storytelling and the founder of the Londolozi blog. His passions of digital media, film and photography have seen him build Londolozi's online ecosystem into a unique platform for advocacy of the restoration and rewilding of ...

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13 Comments

on The Tree Climbing Lions of Londolozi

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Liz
Guest

Thanks Rich for sharing this beautiful interaction of such a magnificent pride – love the Tsalalas, they are so strong, determined and wise! Don’t think the leopards will be too thrilled with their tree climbing skills! I have a strong affection for the Styx as well, sadly they do not seem to be as strong, healthy or wily as the Tsalalas – just my perception. That said, the Styx male seems to be pretty bold and good at knowing when to stand up and be counted and when to leave.
Your thoughts in the last 2 paragraphs echo exactly what I was thinking as I read about the Majingilanes moving into the Dudley region threatening the Southern Pride – such a shame they cannot be satisfied with the territory they have and stick around the families they have. It seems to reflect the human need for more and more, never satisfied; or is it just that with the changing dynamics of there being coalitions of males, rather than one or two males looking after one pride, that they need a bigger territory. Interesting times as always in the Sabi Sands and I guess until we can speak ‘lion’ we will be speculating!
Many thanks indeed for sharing the ongoing story of your wonderful world.

WELL DONE ROB!!!
Such great pics!!! How lucky to see lions in a TREE!!!

Al
Guest

I first read of the Matimaba/ Sava males on Richard Millar’s website. Had brought it up with Rob from Idube some time ago. He said he hadn’t heard of this new coalition, who are still not at their peak. Regardless, I cannot fathom a return of the Mapogo styled reign, six male lions, with luxurious manes, out on conquest with a penchant for death and destruction. There are some photos on the net of some of these males, they look vibrant and tough, and surely enough when those manes get bigger and the testosterone starts raging, there shall come the next crusade in the Sabi Sands. Too much fighting and injury for the Majings, as well as separation from time to time, will only spell their doom. Someone seriously needs to start photographing this next big coalition, and documenting their movements.

Lion Warfare forever.

Al

Kk
Guest

Do these big male coalitions make a noticeable dent on the hyena populations?

Morning Kk, very good question about whether lion coalitions impact hyena populations. The truth is I do not know the answer but my gut tells me this may be the case. I have two incidents to back this theory up. Firstly I have watched the Majigilanes actively kill a handful of hyenas in the Londolozi are and secondly I have watched these big coalitions find active hyena den sites and attempt to get ‘into’ the holes. The next day the hyena den site was no longer active- they had moved their youngsters to another site. Thus i do feel that hyenas avoid, or at least try to avoid, these big male lions!

Thanks for your comments Adam, the link to the incident where the Majingilanes killed an hyena is as follows: http://blog.londolozi.com/2010/12/majingilane-murder/

Rob Jansen
Guest

Thanks Bronwyn it was well worth the predawn Winter wake-up to get that sighting. (thank you Boyd)
And great post Rich. It is amazing how the bush keeps evolving and keeping you on your toes.

Calvin
Guest

The majings has to get their act together. WE showed the Matimbas moving in to the Gijimas old territory. They were vocal, and yes they do look big and strong. It’d be heartbreaking to see all the young cubs get wiped out, if they do try to invade the majing’s territory.

Roar for the Asiatic Lion
Guest

Stunning and fantastic – I shared it on my facebook page…thank you 🙂

Thank You very much!

suzanne gibson
Guest

Wonderful pictures! We were fortunate enough in Feb to see these 2 lionesses plus a Majingilane male, and the mother of these cubs jumped up into a tree in front of us! – definitely showing off. Byron and Judas thought she might have had cubs recently as she was lactating; they hadn’t been seen at that time. The mother has clearly passed on her party trick to her cubs! Another good reason not to climb a tree if you’re being chased in Londolozi – apart from leopards and a boomslang we saw in one.

James T
Guest

Amazing footage! What a privilege to have witnessed this!

Jody
Guest

Thanks for the great footage. I am also concerned about the leopards in Sabi Sands who do NOT expect lions to climb trees after them. Leopards can climb very high on quite small branches but I don’t know if eiher they or the lions realize this. Fingers crossed that none of beloved cats get into it with each other.

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