Lion Dynamics

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks in Thornybush, particularly with regards to the lions that call the reserve home. Our resident Northern Pride has lost 1 youngster leaving a total of 8 young, 5 adult females and the majestic Maposa male pictured. We then have a coalition of 4 young males from the southern Black Dam pride that are back in Thornybush occupying the western side of the reserve. They could be potentially be a threat to Maposa…but not right now – they still have some growing to do. Then up in the north we have another coalition of 3 young males that are staying out of the way and keeping to themselves away from the potential threats of the other male lions. 2022 is going to be an interesting year! Let’s see what unfolds…

Report and images by ranger Wesley