“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” Deepak Chopra

Deepak couldn’t have been more accurate with this quote if one was to refer to lions and a takeover. Lion dynamics are intriguing and captivate all of us that live and work within various wilderness areas. A takeover is not underway at the moment, but I have a feeling that we are in for an interesting time in the near future and all the chaos that surrounds it before things can change.

Something vital to remember is that lion dynamics have been playing out for generations and generations before humans began were even aware of the intricacies around these fascinating beasts. There is an evolutionary advantage to the change in dynamics and the harsh reality that accompanies this change. New young, fit, healthy, formidable coalitions of lions move in, challenge, overthrow and drive out older, weaker coalitions that are passed their reproductive prime. That is a fact! It has happened in the past and will continue to happen as long as wild lions are free to roam these protected wilderness areas.

If the older males have adequate strength and stamina, are of good health, are not past their prime and are capable of holding their own, with experience on their side they won’t be overthrown unless it comes down to a numbers game and they are outnumbered. This process of a takeover and shift in dynamics helps diversify the gene pool with new males arriving on the scene they bring in new genes keeping the population healthy.

However, when a takeover is underway, pandemonium ensues throughout the reserve. Lions scatter in all directions, altercations are inevitable and subsequently, there is the loss of life. We saw this when the Mapogo Coalition moved in and drove out the last remaining Shaw’s Male. Or the infamous takeover of the Mapogo Coalition by the Majingilane Coalition. Those are just the ones that have happened here and we know about. Imagine what is going on in the Kruger National Park where there are areas larger than the entire Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (135 oo Acres) without a single road, basically untouched wilderness with crazy things going on there that nobody even knows about.

Recently we have found the dynamics on Londolozi shift slightly with the arrival of the Ndzhenga Males, who drove out the surviving Birmingham Male, and stirred up the Ntsevu Pride which saw them fracture into two main divisions; the Core Pride which is now four older females and three young females. Who have all been seen mating with the new males and some had and lost cubs already. The other two older females ran for both their and the last Birmingham offspring’s lives. They have managed to stay beneath the radar since then.

 

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Today, everything appears to have settled and is relatively stable, with emphasis on the word “relatively”.

The condition of each of the Ndzhenga Males is somewhat of a worry. Of the four males, I personally only classify one as a formidable lion, the largest of the four. The second appears impressive when he is alone, however, he is dwarfed by his brother (already mentioned) and the Ntsevu females are somewhat bigger than him too. Dynamite comes in small packages, so I don’t want to count him out just yet, I am merely just stating the obvious that the females are bigger than him.

The smaller of the two walks in front on a territorial patrol, followed by the bigger male and trailing at the back is the male with the injury to his stomach.

The other two males are sporting life-threatening injuries that should they be left alone with no support, it would be unlikely that they would hold their own against other male lions. The one has his stomach protruding from his side, and the other has a severe injury to his back right leg, quite likely a dislocation of the knee.

Below is an update on the Ndzhenga Males from June that never made it out.

The Birmingham Male has teamed up with the Nkuhuma Male and has been seen cruising through Londolozi into MalaMala, deep within the Ndzhenga Males’ territory. With the demise of the Northern Avoca Males, being whittled down to just one from three in the last few months, it is unlikely that the last Northern Avoca Male will hold on for much longer.

The last of the three Northern Avoca Males, this image was taken a while ago, but of the three males, this male was in the best condition. Being alone now, it will be interesting to see where he ends up. My guess is that he will remain with the Nkuhuma Pride for as long as possible until he is driven pout by other males.

The Formidable Plains Camp Males, I believe have detected the lack of calling or scent marking in the northern parts of Londolozi and will likely shift into this prime real estate, laying claim to the Nkhuma Pride in the near future.

The two Plains Camp Males settle next to each other after feeding on a carcass.

But this isn’t the threat I am concerned about…

Recently we heard reports of six decently sized, primed, and eager young males marching in the direction of the Ndzhenga Males’ territory. Set in their direction these lions were unwavering. It is believed that they have already killed one of the Styx cubs, sired by the Ndzhenga Males. This is in some regards worrying as things have finally settled and there was a chance for the Ntsevu Females to raise another litter of cubs this time sired by the Ndzhenga Males. But in the same breath, it is exciting as if six new males could move into the area and set up a territory that they could actively patrol and defend we could see another Herculean coalition similar to the Majingilane Males.

Stay tuned for more to come on this story…