The Mhangeni pride continue to push the boundaries of their areas of operation. I hesitate to call it a territory yet, as they continue to surprise us with the places they appear in. Their current cubs are still nine strong, and in an area with such a high level of cub mortality, it is a phenomenal achievement by these 4 young lionesses, getting them to this age successfully. It is certainly too early to count our chickens, but with the Majingilane being regularly encountered with the pride, and minimal pressure from other areas, it seems like the cubs have the best start they could get in life.
With the lionesses continuing to move the cubs through new areas however, comes the chance of bumping into rival prides. The South pride is still making regular forays into southern Londolozi and our western reaches, and the Mhangeni pride stands a chance of bumping into them.
3 weeks ago ten members of the South pride were hunting buffalo around Castleton camp, and only a few days ago the Mhangeni females were hunting wildebeest on exactly the same clearings. Until it actually happens, it is pure speculation as to who would dominate in a clash, but unless firm territorial lines become firmly drawn, that is precisely what could happen.
A map showing the movements of the Mhangeni pride over the last 9 months or so. The dark blue area is the area in which they were found most frequently when the cubs were young. Lighter blue areas and arrows indicate movements over the last few months, while the pink section is a relatively new development, and is where the pride has been seen in the last few days.
One of the lionesses looks towards where the rest of the pride was moving to the south of Londolozi’s camps while ranger Lucien Beaumont, tracker James Siwela and guests look on.
Between Londolozi and the western sectors of the reserve lies a relatively unclaimed area in terms of lion prides. The Ottawa pride have been seen moving east into this zone, the South Pride has moved far west through it, and now the Mhangeni females are being seen further south and west than normal. The zone lies between the territories of the four Majingilane and the three Selati males, and both coalitions seem relatively content with the territories they currently hold, with neither group making any attempt at further expansion.
It is unlikely that the Mhangeni females will want to push too much out of Majingilane territory. With the protective umbrella of the cub’s fathers removed, the pride could find itself in trouble. Although popping up in unexpected parts of the reserve, they have still always been within ear-shot of the safety net of the Majingilane’s territorial roars.
The familiar shape of Ximpalapala Koppie looms over the Mhangeni Pride. They have not been in the area for some time, at least not as consistently as they once were.
As soon as they venture far enough into unfamiliar territory to start hearing other males roaring nearby, it is likely that they will decide that that is quite far enough.
Written and Photographed by James Tyrrell
James,
I am trying to remember precious blogs, but is the mhangeni pride the old Sparta pride? If not, what has happened to the Sparta pride?
Hi Tim,
The Mhangeni pride is different to the Sparta Pride.
The Sparta pride is still around, still doing their thing. Current composition is 3 adult lionesses and 5 sub-adults (4 males and 1 female).
Update on them coming soon…
James
Have a look at this post from a few weeks ago…
http://blog.londolozi.com/2013/12/what-are-these-lions-doing/
Must be fascinating to watch the families’ territories fluctuate over time.
Thanks for the update!
Gotta get there!!!
Always interesting to see what this pride is up to and good the hear that the nine cubs are all still doing well, we enjoyed time spent with them last September and look forward to observing them again this September when we return!
Well written, as always, James, and fascinating to hear what is going on with the different Prides. I am happy to see they are doing well and the cubs continue to thrive.
Is it possible that the males in the future will eventually have a run if this keeps up?