The mating rituals of predators can be a captivating spectacle, one that we consider ourselves fortunate to witness on occasion. In about 95% of these instances, we encounter these animals already paired up, indicating that the mating process has likely commenced, and we’ve missed the initial encounter between the male and female. However, recently, luck was on our side as we were treated to the extraordinary sight of a pair of lions coming together for the very first time, allowing us to observe the fascinating process of their initial meeting and bonding.
We had found one of the three lionesses from the Ntsevu Pride, steadily moving west and calling. Her behaviour hinted at a predetermined quest, whether it was to reunite with the rest of her pride or encounter other males remained unclear to us. However, judging by where she was, the direction she was heading and the determination in her movements, we were fairly convinced that something interesting was on the verge of unfolding. Unaware of her proximity to the two Plains Camp Males, a subtle shift in her confident demeanour alerted us that something was nearby.
Up ahead of us tracker Freddy from the back row of the Land Rover spotted the two large males approaching. As they came together, it was fascinating to witness the lioness’s blend of submissive yet alluring behaviour toward the two brothers, but just as interesting was the rivalry and dominance displayed by the larger of the two males towards his brother. Male lions often depend on each other extensively to defend their territory against rival males. However, when it comes to determining mating rights, there can only be one victor.
The larger of the two Plans Camp Males gaze towards our vehicle. This particular male’s mane and muscular body make him possibly the largest male lion in the Sabi Sand at the moment. A gene that any lioness would be happy to pass on through her bloodline.
Before the actual mating occurred, the lioness engaged in a charming courtship dance, making sure to captivate the male and convince him of her readiness to mate. She darted back and forth in front of him, rolled playfully in the grass, and executed a gesture known as lordosis, the technical term for courtship enticement. We observed from a distance as the lioness performed these courtship rituals for about 20 minutes until finally, the two lions mated for the first time.
The smaller of the two Plains Camp Males watches on as his brother and the Ntsevu Lioness begin the courtship process. Even though just a little smaller this particular male is absolutely beautiful. His mane is extremely dark, yet on this particular occasion he had to take the back seat.
The following photographs capture some of the moments we witnessed as the male lion responded to the female’s successful courtship. He would chase her, attempting to mate while ensuring he remained close to her side.
Lion mating can extend over several days. For me, the most exciting aspect of this sighting was finding the lioness and following her until she met the Plains Camp Males. As mentioned earlier, such encounters are rare, making them particularly exhilarating. Now that the Plains Camp Males have mated with the Ntsevu Lioness, it raises the question of whether their territories will start shifting further east, potentially intensifying pressure on other coalitions of male lions.
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This is exciting! The two Plains Camp males are definitely the biggest in size in all of Sabi Sands. The larger of the two is an incredibly big male. Their closest rivals on the size barometer might be their two half brothers in Mala Mala that are dominant over the Torchwood pride. A strong legacy from their fathers,the Mantimahle males.
As exciting as this is,one does have some angst. These two males have very young offspring in the Mhangeni and Ximungwe prides. They still need their presence in the West for at least 18 months. With the number of males in the Sabi Sands extraordinary high,now is definitely not the time for an expansion. Would leave their legacies in these two prides in peril. Conversely,the Ntsevu pride has young cubs that these two would not take kindly too. Definitely a lot to lose from both sides.
How big is the large one when compared to, say, Hairy Belly?
I think it is important to note that the Plains Camp males are only 6 years old,only turning 7 later in the year. So they’re still quite young and have more room for further develop the more they get into their prime. Makhunga is a massive male,belies his relatively tender years. I think with time,he definitely will be bigger than the legendary Hairy Belly,who was absolutely enormous.
Thanks
Dan, Great to see a post from you as always! How exciting to see that connection! Those males are imposing for sure! Will she look for other males to mate with?
What an exciting encounter between these two lions.
If the brother has to take the back seat for this time, will he also have a chance to mate with the same lioness later or maybe in between, when the bigger brother is maybe sleeping? How does it work in general: Is the bigger lion most of the time the successful one, or maybe the one who is the first one to find out that she is ready to mate?
I’m eager to see how the lion dynamics continue to shift as new cubs are born.
Thanks Dan, those Plains Camp males are certainly very impressive. Any idea how old this Ntsevu lioness is?
They were sired by the Majingilane coalition in 2012.
Hi, this may lead to a conflict with the two Ndzenga males, or? Maybe this one lioness will go after other males, if the Plain Camps males don’t stick to her…
What a fantastic opportunity you had to witness the courtship ritual between these two lions. Given the lineage of the Ntsevu female, mating with this impressive male who already takes care of two prides, could prove to be problematic for the both of them unless she meets up with different male soon. I’m assuming she’s part of the Mhagene pride that split from their natal group and became the Ntsevu’s. Now the majority of that pride has become the Kambulas, leaving a splintered pride behind. With this change, the remaining Ntsevu lionesses need to choose their mate carefully, given so many other dominant males are nearby so their cubs won’t be in danger. Exciting times ahead!
Dan that is good news as there will be new cubs from this mating session and the genes from this huge lion will be carried over. It is a pity the other brother had to stand and watch. Maybe one of the other Ntsevu lionessess will come on heat so that he can also have his genes carried forward. Spectacular to see the ritual and eventually the mating itself.
This could be very exciting over the next year as new cubs emerge. Keep us informed Dan.
My guess would be that this is the infertile lioness since one of her sisters has 3 cubs and the other one might have new cubs soon, if not already.
But yeah this larger PCM is huge! The only other male in the Sabi Sands that I think might match him is one of the 2 Mantimahle males from the north, they visit Sabi Sands from time to time, coincidentally they are the PCM’s half-brothers, also sired by the 5 Mantimahle pride males.
Very handsome males. Do you know if she mated with both of them?