James Tyrrell recently summarised the general lion dynamics on Londolozi. The male lion dynamics of the Sabi Sands have drawn special attention over the years, particularly during the reign of the mighty Mapogo coalition and thereafter the Majingilane males. Witnessing male lions fight over territory is exhilarating to say the least. At present, the two remaining Birmingham males reign over much of Londolozi and into Mala Mala to our east. They are currently siring 14 cubs in the Ntsevu pride and the single Tsalala female’s youngster in addition to those that they fathered as they ventured south away from their natal area. However, it would appear that we are nearing a shift in dynamics…
One of the Birmingham males in his prime in 2019, stands tall and overlooks the landscape towards the Sand River from where he had been. Presumably he had spent some time with the Tsalala lioness and was heading south towards the Ntsevu pride.
More and more often we are hearing the roars from the Avoca males to our north. From what we are told, there are three brothers, of which two spend most of their time together and the third apart. On several occasions now, two Avoca males have ventured right through northern Londolozi and even crossed south over the Sand River. This is right into the Birmingham males’ territory.
An Avoca Male on a territorial Patrol. This male is starting to shift his territory further and further onto Londolozi which could start causing a shift in the dynamics of the Lion prides.
When together, we have heard them roaring from within the Birmingham males’ territory. This is a direct threat to the current dominant males reign over the area. The trouble is, the Birmingham males have established such a large territory that there are opportunities for other males to sneak in unnoticed. The Birmingham males were born in 2010 and were once a coalition of five. Now down to two and soon to be eleven years old, they are nearing the end of their tenure.
An Avoca male early one morning in the northern section of Londolozi.
From a male lion’s perspective, the more territory that you can take over, the greater the chance of finding receptive lionesses with which you can mate and spread your genes. This is a natural progression as males grow in size and confidence. It would seem that the two Avoca males are pushing further and further into the heart of Londolozi now as they reach their prime. Just a few days ago, we found one alone on the southern bank of the Sand River. He called several times, before walking right across the breadth of the reserve in response to two lions calling in the far north east of the area. We eventually left him walking and scent marking as he headed straight towards Mala Mala to the east. This is a bold move, as he traversed right through areas in which we would normally expect to see the Ntsevu Pride and Birmingham males.
Interestingly, the Ntsevu pride has given birth to cubs on some rocky outcrops east of Londolozi in an area very close to where the Avoca males regularly reside, on the edge of the Birmingham males’ territory. If the Avoca males discover these cubs, it may spell the worst for them, but it may also draw these younger males into that area in an attempt to mate with the pride lionesses. If the Avoca males shift south, this could result in the Nkuhuma Pride also shifting south in response to the pride males, bringing them square into the middle of Londolozi’s northern parts. It would be incredible to have another large pride (in addition to Ntsevu) regularly viewed on Londolozi, however this would inevitably put pressure on the Tsalala female who is currently exploiting the somewhat “safe” area within the Sand and Manyelethi Rivers, north of the Londolozi camps.
Hypothesise as we do, but only time will tell. With two male lions in their prime potentially facing up against two ageing but experienced male lions, things could get interesting. For now we listen to the persistent roars from all sides that reverberate across the landscape…
Othawa male in the last picture
Thanks Tino, we have adjusted the post.
It will be great to have another big pride at Londolozi. Will the Nkuhuma pride move further south?
That’s the question we’re hoping will become a reality!
Thanks. I have been following the Northern Avocados for a couple of years and I am very fond of them. They seem to be great fathers and the Nkuhuma pride have successfully (so far) have raised quite a lot of cubs under their stewardship. Blondie is one of the most beautiful lions I have ever seen.
I think that possibly the male lion in the last photo is actually the Otthawa male
Nope, its Blondie Avaca Male
*Northern Avoca Blondie
Thanks Gabriele, we have adjusted the post.
How in the world do you keep track of all these male lions that seem to come from everyone! it has to be exciting but a bit hard on you neck keeping up with them! Seriously in the 6 visits we have made to Londolozi (we hope not the last) we have not seen that many lions!! Thankyou Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Lions do move great distances, thus we may go for many days at a time between sightings. However, there are times when we have continuous viewing for days on end too! We keep track of their movements as best we can by communicating with the guides at all the lodges around us.
Both formidable coalitions, they’ve done so well with two great prides siring many cubs, i hope it stays as it is without confrontations and no lion gets killed, thanks for beautiful images and the update @Pete Thorpe and Londolozi team
Lion politics and dynamics are so interesting! I am super interested in a post about the various dynasties !
Very impressive, those Avoca males. I am looking forward to hearing more of the development of those interactions. Great pictures.
I’m slightly confused. A few days ago it was said that a single Birmingham male chased the Northern Avocas back where they came from and now this is saying the Northern Avocas are roaring within Birmingham territory which is South and East of camp as I’ve read before.
Hi Zaahid,
Both can be true. Lions can cover a lot of ground, and they have been roaring all over the place.
Best regards
Who is winning these mind games in your opinion?
Well, I had to do a bit of work this morning to find your blog as it didn’t automatically post to my email account – strange. Anyway, the encroachment of the Avoca males would make for very interesting dynamics within Londolozi’s territory and as you mentioned, it would be fantastic to have two prides to watch. I’m guessing the Ntsevu pride is going to have to break apart as so many of the cubs are sub adults, especially the young males. Exciting times ahead and I’m looking forward to following the stories.
Hi Denise,
Apologies for the mishap with the blog email, we had a technical glitch on our side that has now been resolved. You will continue to receive daily email notifications as normal again.
With the Ntsevu pride being so large, there is a good chance of a pride split sometime in the near future. The same thing happening with the Mhangeni Pride back in 2018 when the litter of 12 was pushed away from the pride of four females. Let’s see what happens…
Lion dynamics constantly shifting and changing. Very fascinating.
we found one alone on the southern bank of the Sand River. He called several times, before walking right across the breadth of the reserve in response to two lions calling in the far north east of the area. We eventually left him walking and scent marking as he headed straight towards Mala Mala to the east. This is a bold move, as he traversed right through areas in which we would normally expect to see the Ntsevu Pride and Birmingham males. Is this the third Avoca male that patrols on his own from the other two Avoca males?
Hi Tim,
There’s a goo chance it has, however we have seen the two brothers south of the Sand River before too.
good* chance
nature has evolved lion dominance or hostile Territorial hijack stories as its way of gene replenishment method.Female role of being catalyst is unsung.Lioness promiscuity in countering siblicide is fundamental in understanding lion male behaviur.Age & Expirience are pivotal ,not ignoring strength in numbers (coalition). physical condition mirrors testosterone quality
Sean, Your header image of the male lion is stellar and we added it to our favorites! Where does the name Avoca come from? We love keeping up with the lion drama – keep it coming!
I’ve passed on the compliment to Sean for you!
The name ‘Avoca’ most likely comes from the original property name from somewhere north of Londolozi where the Lions originate. This is the case with the Birmingham males, Sparta Pride and Othawa Prides to name a few.
Their natal pride is also called the Avoca Pride, and their fathers were also called the Avoca Males as well. But there is a property in the Timbavati called Avoca
Wonderful writing Pete! … I got a definite feeling of unease thinking about the cubs and the potential danger they are in… You certainly get to experience ‘Nature raw in tooth and claw’…. something which we City folk( a wild generalisation and apologies for any folk who are not ) do not experience often…We no longer fear the roars in the night ( except from kids demanding drinks or a particular car or dinosaur toy 🦕 😆)… or keeping watch that the fires 🔥 are kept fed and bright ,to ward off danger of the ever watchful gleaming yellow eyes at the edge of the shadows…Our often sanitised worlds forget that battles ,for territories and dominance are being played out in the Bush in deadly ways…This Potential leadership takeover will be incredible to watch , and I am sure tragedy may follow too…. I am interested in how you, as a Rangers who see life and death up close , cope with the loss of animals you have come to know …I look forward to your next story!
Hi Maxine,
Yes, we are very lucky to be living in close proximity to these wild animals and witnessing their stories playing out. As much as we try to remain neutral, it’s inevitable that we feel a sense of loss from time to time out here as animals come and go. I suppose it’s part of what keeps us enthralled out here!
Will definitely be interesting to see what plays out over the coming months of 2020 and into 2021. I too think there is a strong likelihood the Nkuhumas will move with the Avocas, but I also hope that they don’t so as to allow the Tsalala Lioness and her daughter to continue to thrive. At this point I think it is safe to assess that the Blond-Maned and Orange-Eyed Avocas are operating on a different agenda then the Dark-Maned Male is in the north. I have never heard of a coalition operating in such a way before.
Thanks
Confrontation is never nice but sometimes inevitable. As long as abundant prey is available no real showdown is expected.