How much longer can the last 3 remaining Mapoga Males hold onto their territory? News from the western part of the Sabi Sand is that the 4 Southern Males have started to make their move in ousting the Mapoga Males from their territory.
The catalyst seems to be the fact that one of the Castleton/Ximhungwe Pride females is on heat, and drawing in both the Mapoga and Southern Males, all keen to mate and exert their dominance.
A few nights ago, these magnificent male lions clashed and by all accounts one of the Mapoga Males took a bad beating and was injured in the conflict. After the clash, the Southern Males left the area roaring and scent marking within the Mapoga territory. A clear indication of the declaration of Lion War!
Although the Southern Males are impressive specimens, Adam Bannister from Londolozi believes that the Mapoga still have a lot to offer and it might be some time before they lose to the younger generation. With the magnificent Kruger Males to their south, the 6 Matimba Males to the north, and the vicious Majingilane Males to their east, the aging western Mapoga might be the softer target for the Southern Males. Ultimately, Adam believes it may well come down to a numbers game: 4 young aspiring males taking on 3 older experienced males.
Photos taken by Khimbini Hlongwane from Inyathi Game Lodge
The Sabi Sand is easily accessible from either of Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa. If you would like to experience close up lion encounters, guided by profressional game rangers and trackers, contact Brett at Sun Safaris.
