Last night on the extreme Eastern Boundary of the Reserve, there was a clash between two of the Resident Mapogo Male Lions and five new Males from the Kruger National Park.
The Resident Males went to investigate the roaring of five new Males infringing on their Eastern Boundary and walk straight into an ambush. They were surrounded by five Nomadic Males and the fur began to fly.
In the ensuing battle, the two Resident Mapogo Males killed one of the five younger Males and they ran off back into the Park. Not long after the Nomads began to roar again, proclaiming their intent to stick around and their anger at losing one of their coalition. One again the two Resident Males went after them. This time they encountered stronger resistance and a more controlled attack. The resulting fight concluded with the one Resident Males being mauled to death, and the other running for his life back towards the West, we are unsure of the injuries that he sustained, whether they are life threatening or not.
Once the dust had settled, the remaining 4 New Males proceeded to eat the dead Resident Male, unusual behavior but not unheard of.
For those of you who have been here before, the dead male is the one with a distinctive “kink” in his tail. We are still monitoring and trying to get further information at this stage, but it seems that the reign on the Mapogo’s might be at an end. This morning on drive we found two of the Mapogo coalition here in the West, oblivious to the happening during the night way out on the Eastern Kruger Boundary.
We will keep you posted as we get more news; the winds of change are blowing.
The pictures below are not of the fight that occurred last night, but of a previous fight between the Mapogo Males themselves captured by Hannes some time ago, I have added them just to give an idea of the ferocity involved when Male Lions fight.
Thanks Hannes for use of the images.
Wow, no wonder lion numbers are dwindling? Amazing photos and firhtening news in many ways!
Thanks Duncan for the news and Hannes for the photos! Please keep us informed.
Wow! I have goose bumps! Still remember five of them sharing breakfast/wildebeest ?V unforgettable experience! Such a pity they can??t exist as neighbors?? Thank you Duncan – Can??t wait for more info!
Thanks Duncan,
the speed with which entire situations change in the bush never ceases to astound me, and serves as a poignant reminder for all of us that nothing in nature is static, and the status quo is nothing but a fleeting glimpse of the last few moments.
We look forward to hearing more once the team have had a chance to track the survivor and of the possible upcoming power struggle ahead.
Great reporting.
Someone on Facebook posted that the song "Bad Boys" was coming true for the Mapogos: "…Bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you…"
I can only imagine the sounds…
Was at the sighting, was heartbreaking and out of this world. A once in a life time experiance. Kinky tails eyes had not even glazed over by the time the 4 had finished feeding on him. There brother died last night after the Mopogos broke his spin and leg he took his last breath while guides were on evening drive last night. This morning there was not even a bone remaining of Kinky tail, the Hyenas took everything, only a patch of dry blood. With in only a few minutes of Kinky tails attack, Mr T was heard roaring in side Chitwe Chitwe on his way to mala mala, the 4 males spoor were also found this morning heading in the same direction.
Kim Posthumus can you please share the video of this sighting with the rest of us so that we can also have the last memories of mapogo shaka the king of kings,may his soul rest in peace.
Thanks for posting this Duncan. The sounds were are to listen to. I did not know what they were about until this morning. Circle of death and life.
Sorry I meant hard to listen to.
Thank you Duncan. See you in about 8 weeks. Joan and Arnold Kalan
Thank you Duncan. See you in about 8 weeks. Joan and Arnold Kalan
Thank you, Duncan for the update. Hard as it is to read the details…I did want to know just what happened. I can imagine that the air was thick with tension for miles. And Thank You, as well Hannes, for the photos.
Apologies for the pictures being so small, I have re sized them, should be sorted.
its goin in order iv seen a female matting lol it was funny
its goin in order the first pic , 2 then third the other pic look like scar from lion king and simba fighting