After initially fleeing their natal pride due to the arrival of the dominant Ndzhenga Males and steering clear of the formidable Plains Camp Males, the Ntsevu Males have embarked on a new nomadic phase in their lives. Now growing into formidable male lions, the Ntsevu Males kept us all on the edge of our seats during many an incredible sighting with them. However, it was only a matter of time before they ventured further afield in search of less fiercely contested territory than Londolozi.
![Ntsevu Sub Adult Males Walking Rhrough Clearing (4) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26100456/Ntsevu-Sub-adult-males-walking-rhrough-clearing-4-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
A Move North: The Manyelethi Reserve
Recently, the Ntsevu Males have made a noteworthy move further north to the Manyelethi Reserve. This strategic relocation has brought them into contact with the lionesses of the Nkuhuma Pride, with whom they have been mating. This new environment provides a respite from the intense competition they faced at Londolozi, where the Ndzhenga Males and Plains Camp Males exert significant pressure, and a life-threatening encounter was just waiting to happen.
![Ntsevu Sub Adult Males On Termite Mound (3)[rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26100043/Ntsevu-Sub-adult-males-on-termite-mound-3RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
With fewer dominant rivals around, the Ntsevu Males seem to be flourishing. The change of scenery has allowed them to continue growing in size and stature. The presence of the Nkuhuma Lionesses not only offers mating opportunities but also potential long-term alliances, which could be advantageous as they establish their presence in this new area.
The Implications of Their Relocation
While it’s disappointing that the Ntsevu Males are unlikely to return to Londolozi in the near future, this move might ultimately benefit the broader ecosystem. Their absence reduces the immediate threat to the cubs of the current prides in Londolozi, including the Ntsevu Pride and the Kambula Pride, even though they are all related. If the Ntsevu Males had returned, they could have posed a grave risk to these young cubs and potentially faced severe conflicts with the existing dominant males.
Moreover, their relocation contributes to genetic diversity within the lion population. By moving away from their natal territory, the Ntsevu Males avoid breeding with close relatives, which helps maintain a healthy genetic pool for future generations.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Although the Ntsevu Males are thriving in their new territory, their journey is far from over. They still face challenges, including potential conflicts with other males and the need to solidify their position north of our boundaries. Their relative youth and lack of experience in territorial disputes mean they will need time and perseverance to become a dominant force.
Their current success is a promising sign, but they must navigate their new terrain carefully to avoid conflicts and maximize their chances of long-term success. The journey of these young males will be one to watch as they continue to grow and adapt. A coalition of four will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
![Ntsevu Sub Adult Male On Termite Mound (5) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26100823/Ntsevu-sub-adult-male-on-termite-mound-5-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
The Ntsevu Males’ story and their move to the Manyelethi Reserve marks a significant chapter in their lives, offering them new opportunities and challenges as they now control a pride of females and in time will sire their own set of cubs. While their absence from Londolozi is a loss for the immediate area, their continued development and contribution to genetic diversity are vital for the lion population’s future.
As we watch their progress, we can only hope for their continued success and eventual rise as a powerful coalition in the future.
How perfect, I love it when things come together for the animals ♥️
Like you said, it’s best for them and the health and safety of all the other prides in the area. I hope they do well in continuing to establish themselves. What happened to their sister who was hanging around with them for so long?
I’m correct in saying that these are the males that became independent with their sister right (4 males, 1 female)? Is the sister still with them, or did she rejoin the pride?
She left them a while ago now and has been seen with the Styx Young Male. At the very end of August the pair were in fact chased by the Kambula pride, so it seems unlikely that she will be able to rejoin.
Very cool Sean, and long may they run!!
Wonderful news, they are so alike the Birmingham males, like fathers like sons! I’m glad they moved to Manyelethi to be the kings and offer diverse genpool. The lions dynamics are very rich and ever-changing, while in other countries their situation is very critical. It is since the Majingilane that I haven’t heard of a lasting coalition of four. Gorgeous males, I hope the sister is thriving as well…
It is good to see them cutting out a territory of their own and growing. I will be awaiting news about their progress as they grow, but being in Manyelethi will cause so delays in the news. Just hope they do well.
It’s good to know the Ntsevu males have found a territory that’s relatively safer than within the Londolozi borders. In looking through the images attached to your blog I took note of the one males who is a carbon copy of his father, a Birmingham male. My question is where has their sister ended up – with her natal pride or …?
Can’t wait to hear about their successes in the future.
It is great for this formidable coalition that they are thriving in their new territory and broaden the gene pool.
Sean-Did I miss something? Wasn’t there a sister traveling with these males? What happened to her? Thanks
Yes, there sister was with them. But she has now broken away and has spent a bit of time with the Styx Young Male.
It is interesting Sean.
They’ve mated with Nkuhuma lionesses and even lionesses from the Imbali Pride, but don’t seem to be making a concerted effort to stay in the northern sector. At least two Nkuhuma lionesses are showing signs of pregnancy although some of them also mated with the Plains Camp Males, and recently the remaining Black Dam male and Avoca Male have been in the company of the Pride. The Ntsevu males have also been pushed off kills by the two Mantimahle males and may have had a run-in with the PCMs although nothing was seen. With their maturation and numbers, it is surprising how little they are making their presence known. Interesting times in the lion world of the Sabi Sand!
It is interesting to see how they are sneaking beneath the radar for now. Hopefully, with a bit more time and confidence they will then retaliate and challenge some of the other males in the vicinity. Let’s wait and see.
Where is their sister?
She is roaming around further south and occasionally seen with the Styx Young Male.
Sean. We have watched SafariLive for many years and still do. Up there at Djuma, they have been referring to these 4 males as The Kambula males. I know you folks did some renaming in agreement with the Mala Mala folks. You refer to these 4 males as the Ntsevu males. So back to the origins of the 4, which make the best sense? Are their fathers the Birminghams? You mention them mating with the Nkuhumas. Currently, the pride appears to tolerate both one of the Black Dam Males and Mohawk who fathers the recent cubs. So the Ntsevu males have not secured that pride which makes the chances of cubs surviving questionable. To even make it more interesting, the Plains Camp males have ventured as far north as Djuma killing one Nkuhuma lioness (Chela) who was defending her cub. Do secondly, am interested in your thoughts on that who “zoo” with males everywhere. Thanks in advance.
Yes, they are referred to as either the Ntsevu Males or Kambula Males and are offspring of the Birmingham Males. As it stands they have not completely taken over the Nkuhuma Pride, and have also been seen mating with a lioness from the Imbali Pride.
The lion dynamics in the future is going to certainly be interesting so we will have to wait and see what unfolds.
The timeline would suggest that the PC males are the fathers of the incoming Nkuhuma cubs, but in either case you’re right, their chances of survival are slim, as the current lion dynamics in the north are nowhere near stable enough for the lionesses to safely raise these cubs. The PC males’ territory is currently too big for them to effectively defend it all.
I am quite glad they have away to secure a territory of their own and not have fights with the Kambula pride and the Ndhzenga males.
It is a relief that they have managed to get to where they are without having to fight too much. Lets see where it leads them though.