Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve have had a recent sighting of the remaining Mapogo. On a game drive yesterday Pretty Boy and Mak were found strolling along trying to stay out of trouble.
Once previous dominant male lions have been ousted from their territory it is pretty much a downward spiral from there. It is very rare for dominant lions to lose a pride and territory and then claim another.
Normally they become nomadic once again and move around trying to avoid other territorial males. Slowly but surely they lose condition, as a result from age and the incredibly tough lives they lead, and are either killed by other dominant males or face starvation as their ability to hunt diminishes.
The last remaining Mapogo seem to be moving within the confines of the southern Sabi Sand – see below for a map of the safari lodges in that area.
Image by Richard de Gouveia
