[a video of male lions in the wild]
guy who only knows about the mapogo coalition: i’m getting a lot of mapogo coalition vibes from this
With heavy hearts, we share that the Tsalala Female has lost all three of her cubs.
The Tsalala Female has been dealt a difficult hand from the start, mirroring the challenges faced by her mother, who also raised her first litter alone after the other lionesses in the pride died. Despite this, in recent months, the Tsalala Female was spotted nurturing her cubs with care, despite the looming dangers in her territory. She had already suffered the loss of one cub during a fierce confrontation with nomadic males (covered by Sean Zederberg), a heartbreaking reminder of the relentless challenges she faces. But even as October gave way to November, hopes remained that her remaining cubs might survive to carry on the Tsalala legacy.
Unfortunately, territory dynamics have only grown more complex. With the Kambula Males (Ntsevu breakaway Males) gaining strength and expanding their reach, they are poised to challenge the Plains Camp Males for dominance in the north. This mounting tension has cast an unsettling shadow over the prides linked to the Plains Camp males, including the Tsalala Female. While the Plains Camp duo continues to thrive, patrolling a vast territory and spending time with their associated prides, the shift in power dynamics has created an uncertain environment.
Tragically, it was in this turmoil that the Tsalala Female lost her remaining cubs. First, only one cub was missing, and she was seen desperately searching with the two others at her side. But just a few days later, after an altercation with the Ximugwe Pride close to the area in which she has been keeping her cubs: she was spotted again, bloodied, and this time calling out alone—her remaining cubs nowhere to be found. Reports from our neighbours indicate that both Plains Camp Males have visited the Tsalala Female and her cubs in the past without aggression, ruling them out as the cause of this heartbreak.
As we struggle to piece together the mystery of what really happened, the reality settles in, her cubs are gone, and the Tsalala Female is left to face her solitary path once more.
catching up on the saba bora coalition and one of the boys is seriously limping. vets think someone might have drove over him whilst he was sleeping in the tall grasses! 😭
Throughout October, a coalition of two ageing nomads—the Kruger Male and the Southern Avoca Male—has been wandering through the area. These two males from different backgrounds have banded together to live out their twilight years. A union for survival rather than dominance. Their presence brought an unsettling air to the territory, especially when they ventured westward, closer to where the Tsalala Female had been keeping her cubs safe among the rocky outcrops.
The details of what happened remain unclear, but reports from our neighbouring reserve suggest that a tragic encounter unfolded. It appears the nomads may have stumbled upon the cubs, prompting the Tsalala Female to defend them fiercely. This altercation attracted the attention of the Plains Camp Males, who rushed in to protect what they believe to be their progeny. Despite the bravery displayed, the aftermath revealed that only two cubs had been accounted for, leaving one little life lost in the chaos.
After days passed we could accept the confirmation that one of the female cubs did not survive, weighing heavily on our hearts. For a small pride like the Tsalala Pride, every cub holds the promise of a stronger future, especially the females, who remain with the pride to bolster its ranks. The young male will eventually face his own journey of independence, but the female cubs represent the continuity of the Tsalala Legacy. Losing one is not just a personal tragedy for the mother-it is a setback for the pride's chance to rebuild.
The Tsalala Female herself was seen bearing a few wounds, though thankfully, none appeared serious. Meanwhile, the Kruger Male was spotted alone wandering far from the scene, his solitary figure suggesting the conflict had scattered the parties involved. Days passed without any trace of the missing cub, and though the hope lingered, the reality settled in: the little lioness was gone.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa Words by Sean Zeederberg, 5 November 2024
The one and only Dark Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile Photographed by Rodrigo Moragaz
A portrait of Coiron Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile Photographed by Leona Marga
Lion cubs follow after their mom Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Photographed by Laura Dyer
Farewell, Arrowhead. You were more than a tiger; you were a symbol of strength and beauty in Ranthambore.
The tigress Arrowhead (2014–2024) Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India Image and caption by Pranay Patel
the tigress arrowhead, daughter of krishna and mother of riddhi, has died. just found out now.
JAIPUR: A tiger killed a 45-year-old man in Uliyana village, located close to Ranthambore National Park (RNP), on Saturday. The victim, Bharat Lal Meena, was grazing his goats in a field near the national park when the tiger attacked, resulting in his immediate death.
A senior forest official stated, "The incident occurred near a waterbody where the man was grazing goats. Several tigers have been recorded in the region, though the specific tiger involved in the attack is yet to be identified."
According to the villagers, the tiger remained with the body for approximately 20 minutes before retreating into the forest after the villagers raised an alarm.
The villagers informed the forest department but no officials arrived at the scene. Frustrated, they blocked the Sawai Madhopur-Kundera road to demand action.
Upon learning of the roadblock, police from Kotwali and Kundera stations arrived with a forest officer. After discussions with the administration, an agreement was reached to provide the deceased's family with a compensation of Rs 25 lakh, a govt job and 5-bigha of land. Local resident Ramnarayan said, "The tiger has preyed on several buffaloes and goats in the area in recent times. Despite multiple appeals to the forest department, the tiger continues to venture into populated areas."
The victim is survived by his wife Parsadi, two children, and his mother, Gopali. The incident coincides with the start of the tourist season in RNP on Nov 1. The tiger reserve, home to 81 tigers, tigresses, and cubs, conducts safaris in its 10 zones in two shifts: mornings from 6am to 9am and afternoons from 3pm to 6pm.
The two Plains Camp males - back when they were still young ‘uns.
Makhunga and brother as subadults in 2020 Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa Photographed by Greg Heasman, Louise Murray
Found this handy family tree for Ranthambore tigers for those who want to familiarize themselves to them!
Dark devouring a guanaco Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile Photographed by Claudio Bustos
Dark staring you down Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile Photographed by Claudio Bustos
Naromame, aged 13 years and 9 months. Like her late father Loonkito, she is one of the oldest lionesses in Amboseli.
Naromame the lioness Amboseli National Park, Kenya Photographed by Philip J. Briggs