Identifying lions can be extremely difficult to do. The reason being that they all look very similar and they appear to be in constant change, in terms of identifying features.Cuts, bruises and scars are continually changing the facial features of the cats. There are obvious exceptions to this; for example the Tailless Female. One method that we use here at Londolozi is to try capture a picture of the side of the face and then look for an element which should stay the same. I have included a picture of each of the four Breakaway Tsalala Pride Females. These pictures are all of the right side of the face! You will see that I have inserted a block over the area that we use, so as to draw attention to that particular area. Look carefully and inspect the spots…the top row especially. These spots (arrangement, pattern, size and number) are unique, as it is in the leopards. These four pictures may prove very useful when we come across a lioness that we “don’t know”.
The four females have grown substantially since I last saw them. Here you can see them on the break between Marthly and Othawa. The 'silent' communication and understanding between them is phenomenal. With focus, determination and teamwork these four lionesses continue to make a living in the midst of lion warfare.
Female One: This female is identified by 2 large spots on the right side of her face.
Female Two: This female has 3 smaller spots shaped almost like an open triangle. The longest side of the triangle faces the nose.
Female Three: This female also has a trangle shaped 3 spots. Compare the difference though in the arrangment of these spots when compared to that of Female Three. The triangles point in different directions. The longest side of this triangle faces the eye.
Female Four: This female (my favourite) has a very distinctive scar on her right eye.
These four females sit in a very interesting area at the moment. They are all about 3,5 years old and so are ready to start mating. The difficulty is knowing which male coalition to invest in. I am still hoping that they will side with the Majingilane Males and we may see them reunite with the much loved Tsalala Pride.
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
This is fantastic! Thank you so much!
very useful observations… just returned from doing a months reseasrch on leopards and the spots are the clues!
Where did you do your research and on what component of leopard life?
Thanks Adam, great info & very helpful.
Thanks Adam!…Which lion pride is the biggest and most powerful is the Sabi Sands? …The Corleone family of the Reserve basically!! I read the blogs and ranger diaries from most of the lodges in the reserve and it seems to me it’s the 16-strong Southern/Selati pride. Is there a bigger pride in Sabi Sands?
As we speak the Southern Pride does indeed have the most members. Many of these members are cubs though. The Sabi Sands has about 10 prides, these prides are smaller than a lot of ones in the Kruger. There are prides in other areas that are over 20 strong. The one pride also worth watching is the ever-growing Sparta Pride. I still feel that their time to shine again is coming – Adam
Thanks Adam, nice write up and helpful ID descriptions. Many don’t think about lions and their whisker spot patterns.
Hi Adam, Really fascinating re the lion identification information. Any recent news or sightings of the injured Sparta lioness with 2 cubs…Since Paul and I returned to the UK we have been keeping up to date with all the Londolozi drive news….
Was wonderful having the two of you here at Londolozi. As far as the Sparta Lioness is going. We have seen her a couple of times but whenever she gets seen she is fast asleep and in the long grass. No clear indications that she is injured so I’m hoping she is just sleeping off any niggles she may have. – Adam
Very interesting. The 4 seem to be so grown up-almost look like adults. Perhaps that is why the tailless female left and joined her daughters? It would indeed be interesting to see who they accept as Pride males.
The blog and the photos are wanderfull and not only these bur everythings. Thanks!!! I have never been in Afrika, but Your blog makes me feel as I am !!! Thanks and go on!!! Wish the Londolozi staff and wooner luck!!!
Thank you Adam, I used this today :)…..awhile ago you were looking for blog ideas, an update to this with left sides would be fantastic. Thanks so much.