Operation Migration is LIVE on WE!!

The team at Operation Migration have been working long nights and especially hard to get this cam LIVE to all of you and they have finally done. Go to the WE site at www.wildearth.tv and flip through the coverflow until you find the new stream. To begin with you will be watching one of the pens where the recently arrived cohorts of young Whooping Cranes are being kept at Nacedah Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. There flight training and socialization are underway and in the fall, if all goes well, they will begin their epic journey south. 
This year Operation Migration, with WE, plans to keep you updated through the whole journey. Parts of the migration will be LIVE, but there will be regular updates from the route by some of the key people involved in this phenomenal and inspiring conservation effort.
Enjoy this new facet to WE. Don't forget to visit the OM website and YouTube channels as well as join their Facebook group.
A big warm WElcome to Operation Migration from the whole WEfamily. :)






The official Operation Migration website:
http://www.operationmigration.org/


The official Operation Migration Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22675991063&ref=ts


The official Operation Migration YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/OperationMigration

Eyrefield/Sparta Pride of Lions

Ever wonder about the pride of lions the famed Mapogo Coalition came from? It was the Eyrefield/Sparta Pride. You may remember reading about them in the last blog on the Roller Coaster/Rollercoaster Males.

Information/background on The Eyrefield/Sparta Pride has been gathered from various sites (Mala Mala, Londolozi, Djuma, Savanna, Nkorho, Elephant Plains, Singita, Exeter, Arathusa, Ulusaba, Inyati, Wildwatch, Idube, Leopard Hills, Simbambili) and their sightings databases along with helpful Rangers and staff at the various lodges and reserves answering questions sent their way.


Eyrefield/Sparta Pride

Territory includes Mala Mala, Londolozi and surrounding areas.

The Eyrefield/Sparta Pride in 1997/98 consisted of seven to eight lionesses that were taken over by five males known as the West Street/Sparta Males. They took over the pride after killing the Tsalala Pan resident males (may also be known as the Manyeleti Males). Londolozi reported that most of the litters born to the Eyrefield/Sparta pride the first 3 years did not survive.

By 2000, the pride consisted of 7 adult lionesses, two approximately 16 month old cubs (1 male, 1 female) and the five aging West Street Males. Of these two cubs, the male was lost sometime during May/June 2000 and the female survives to this day. During this same time, May/June 2000, another sub adult male lion approximately the same age as the missing young male, joined the Eyrefield Pride. Though he was not readily accepted by either the lionesses nor the dominant males, he was tolerated. Today, that same youngster is the dominant male of the infamous Mapogo Coalition.

Between 2000 and 2002, approximately 20 cubs were born with only eight that survived. Of these eight, 5 were males who eventually matured and joined the older unrelated Male to form the 6 male coalition known as Eyrefield/Sparta Males or the Mapogos. One of the female cubs is part of the current Eyrefield pride. Some of these surviving cubs were believed to be sired by the Roller Coaster (Rollercoaster)/Shaw Males. It was reported by Mala Mala that the Roller Coaster Males may have sired five cubs that were born in the latter part of 2001 when they lured some of the Eyrefield lionesses away from the aging West Street males. These cubs would include the two youngest of the Mapogo Coalition.

In 2003, two of the four Marthly/Split Rock/Robson males began their move to take over the Eyrefield/Sparta Pride. Some reports indicate that during these take over attempts, the Split Rocks allowed the two surviving old West Street males to remain while others tend to dispute that. The last West Street Male died in 2004 at approximately 14 yrs to 16 plus years of age.

Over the next couple of years, the pride was in turmoil with threats of take over by the Split Rock males. Some lionesses were seen mating with them while others separated from the pride to avoid them.

By 2006, the Split Rock males still had not fully taken control over the Eyrefield Pride and the 6 Eyrefield/Sparta aka Mapogo Males began to venture away from the pride. During this same time period, two of the Roller Coaster Males began their attempt to take over the pride and one young Eyrefield lioness along with her two cubs went missing. Possibly killed by the Roller Coaster Males. One of the old lionesses died from natural causes/old age. Thus by the end of 2006, the pride now consisted of four adult lionesses and the two Roller Coaster Males. The first cubs sired by the Roller Coaster Males did not survive.

Another one of the younger adult lionesses disappeared around April/May 2007 leaving an old lioness of 13 yrs. 1 mo, an adult lioness 8 yrs 7 mos, the surviving sibling (female) to the missing lioness age 5 yrs 8 mos. Between the months of May through July 2007, 10 cubs were born with nine surviving. In June 2007, one of the Roller Coaster Males sadly was killed by a crocodile.

October 2007, one of the nine cubs went missing from the pride for 8 days. The Eyrefields had ventured into a scheduled burn area. The pride escaped the fire but were missing one cub. The young cub was viewed for six days on it’s own and it was another two days before the pride finally located it. The cub quickly flourished once back within the safety of the pride.

December 2007, the nine surviving cubs now range in age from 5 months (4 cubs), 7 months (1 cub) and 7 months 2 weeks (4 cubs).

The pride remained relatively stable for all of 2008. The old Roller Coaster Male splitting his time between them and the Styx Pride. Their nine cubs grew bigger and stronger with each passing month. The cubs consisted of 5 males and 4 females ranging in age between 17 months and 19 months 2 weeks by December 2008.

January 2009, this pride was joined by the young (approximately 3 ½ yrs old) Tsalala/Marthly male known as “Solo”. It took several months, but eventually he was accepted into the pride by both the lionesses, the nine cubs and even the old Roller Coaster Male.

A dramatic turn of events disrupted their fairly peaceful existence. The Mapogo/Eyrefield Males began moving back into the area of which they were born and the pride they originated from now became their target.

April 2009, the old Roller Coaster Male was ousted as the dominant male of both the Eyrefield Pride and the Styx Pride. The prides fled with their cubs in an effort to keep them safe. Apparently the old Roller Coaster Male reunited with the Eyrefield Pride and fled with them into Londolozi and surrounding areas.

April 8th 2009, reports were coming in to Mala Mala that a fight was ensuing West of Mala Mala. Two lionesses with six of the cubs fled to safety but the rest of the pride including the young Tsalala Male were under attack by the Mapogos/Eyrefield Males. After this fight, one sub adult cub was missing and presumed dead. Eventually, the rest of the pride was reunited once more.

April 28th 2009 - Another run in with the Mapogo/Eyrefield Males. Viewed in the AM at Mala Mala were the three lionesses, five sub adult cubs and the old Roller Coaster male. One sub adult male was reported killed in the previous nights attack. Missing was the young Tsalala Male and two of the sub adult cubs.

The next day (29th) The young Tsalala Male along with the two missing Eyrefield sub adult cubs were located further South and still separated from the rest of their pride.

May 2nd found the two Eyrefield sub adult cubs all alone in approximately the same area as before but the young Tsalala Male was no longer with them.

May 7th, The young Tsalala Male, the Roller Coaster Male and six sub adult cubs were seen but missing this time were the three lionesses and one female sub adult cub.

Thankfully, the next day they reportedly had all reunited.

Andrew at Mala Mala shared that after May 10th the pride moved into Londolozi. At that time the pride consisted of the three adult lionesses, seven sub adult cubs (3 males and 4 females), the young Tsalala Male, and the old Roller Coaster Male.

June 3rd & 4th 2009, The pride was seen in Mala Mala on an adult male giraffe kill. Apparently, this large of a kill was possible due to the pride having the Tsalala male (approx 4 yrs old now) and the Roller Coaster male in attendance.

June 10th 2009 - The pride was again viewed in Mala Mala and the Rangers reported all were accounted for with the exception of the old Roller Coaster Male.

June 12th - 26th sightings by Ulusaba - Though no specific date was given, the entire Eyrefield Pride was said to be in Ulusaba. Smack in the middle of Mapogo and the Ximungwe Pride's territory. Ulusaba listed the count for the pride as 12 which included one Male lion. Assuming the count was correct, the Roller Coast male and the young Tsalala male should both have been in attendance. The pride was hunting Kudu but without success. At least six of the youngsters decided to take on a Honey Badger but the Honey Badger held it's ground and after emitting a foul odor managed to escape.

June 24th 2009 - The entire Eyrefield Pride, with the exception of the Roller Coaster male, were found near Lion Loop in Mala Mala resting up. As dusk approached they got active. Heading towards the Sand River they came across a Buffalo Herd that was just leaving the river area. The lions took the opportunity to follow the herd across the Sand River. They closed the gap on some stragglers but soon were noticed by the herd's rear guard bulls. Three large bulls turned to face off with the lions. For quite some time the pride played cat and mouse with the bulls and began to slowly wear them down. Luckily, the bulls caught on to the lions strategy and returned to the safety of the herd. With the herd now tightly grouped the lions could not penetrate them. Finally they charged the herd sending them stampeding in the hopes of some stragglers they could take down but this did not play out for them. The pride finally gave up and rested.

The next day, 25th, the pride was again located and were looking lean. By mid day they moved out of the Mala Mala viewing area.

Videos of this pride from YouTube:

2006

By mattwood22 Warning Graphic Buffalo Kill



2008

By GoneonSafari



2009

By Katastrophikus



By tricky0771







By ccrummey



Please remember, this information is not set in stone as it is an evolving story and there are conflicting accounts.

Lion - Wikipedia

FaceBook Fan Page

More Histories on Lion Prides and Coalitions in Sabi Sands can be found on the Wildearth Ning Site.

By Aquila & Karen In VA

Updated June 2009

Roller Coaster/Rollercoaster Male Lions

After the previous blog about the Styx Pride of Lions, we thought you may enjoy reading more about the Roller Coaster coalition and the last surviving male that until recently dominated the Styx Pride.

Information/background has been gathered from various sites (Mala Mala, Londolozi, Djuma, Savanna, Nkorho, Elephant Plains, Singita, Exeter, Arathusa, Ulusaba, Inyati, Wildwatch, Idube, Leopard Hills, Simbambili) and their sightings databases along with helpful Rangers and staff at the various lodges and reserves answering questions sent their way.

Roller Coaster/Rollercoaster Males, AKA Shaw Males, AKA Castleton Males Originally a Coalition of Six

These six males were born into the Castleton/Ximungwe pride in 1996. The same pride that also gave us the Tsalala Pride and the Ximuvanyane Pride.

They were sired by the 5 Sparta/West Street males (the same coalition that sired the Mapogo Males).

It is unclear how the Coalition of 6 was whittled down to just two by early 2006 but various reports suggests Bovine Tuberculosis and death by other lions was most likely the cause. By 2001 there were 5 surviving. 2002, four were surviving as one was believed to have been killed by another lion. One more disappeared and was believed dead by Aug 2002 leaving three. Of these three, one could easily be identified as he was missing an eye. The three became the dominant males of the Selati/Shaw Pride which by (2004) had 12 cubs sired by them. It was reported by Mala Mala in February 2006, that the one male missing an eye was confirmed to have died. He had been in poor condition for some time.

The two remaining Roller Coaster males had taken over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride by Aug 2006. This being the pride the Mapogo Coalition originated from. This pride today consists of three lionesses. Two are sisters of the Mapogo Males and the one old lioness may very well be the Mother to some of the Mapogos. The Eyrefield Pride currently has nine cubs approximately 18 to 20 mos old (5 males, 4 females) sired by the two Roller Coaster males and just recently accepted into their pride the Sub Adult male, Solo, from the Tsalala Pride of which the Roller Coaster male seems to accept.

The two brothers sought to oust the surviving old Split Rock male from his dominance over the Styx Pride. Which they finally succeeded in doing in 2007. It is suspected the Roller Coaster males contributed to the loss of all the Styx pride’s cubs in the later part of 2006.

Sadly, in June 2007 one of the Roller Coaster brothers was killed by a crocodile. Only one survives today. The lone survivor still has control for now over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride and their 9 cubs. He must also have some dominance over the Styx Pride, if any one lion can dominate the Styx Pride, as several of the Styx lionesses reportedly gave birth in 2008 with at least 9 cubs still surviving. The Styx cubs are believed to be sired by the old Roller Coaster male. He has been seen spending most of his time with the pride and interacting with the cubs. Though there is speculation that some of the Styx cubs may have been sired by the Mapogos, the old Roller Coaster Male accepts them all as his cubs.

Update received Mar 2009 from Andrew at Mala Mala: The two oldest Styx Pride cubs were sired by the old Roller Coaster Male, seven were sired by either the Roller Coaster Male or the Mapogos or a combination of both, the newest cubs recently born are sired by the Mapogos.

Upadte May 22nd 2009 The last two months have been erratic for the Roller Coaster male. It was reported he had been ousted as the dominant male of the Eyrefield Pride and the Styx Pride by two Mapogos (Kinky Tail and Mr T) that seem to be on a mission in Mala Mala to take control over these prides. The majority of the Styx Pride, with cubs in tow, have fled the area as well as the Eyrefield Pride. Eventually, the old Roller Coaster rejoined the Eyrefield Pride but they have suffered several attacks by the two Mapogos. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of two of the sub adult cubs and members being separated. As of this date, the 3 adult lionesses, 7 sub adult cubs, the old Roller Coaster male along with the young Tsalala male, Solo who has been accepted into this pride, have reunited and escaped into the Londolozi area. Only time will tell what the outcome of this conflict may be.

June 10th 2009 - Where are you "old" man? You were mysteriously missing from the Eyrefield Pride when viewed in Mala Mala.

June 26th 2009 - The old fella reappeared near the West Street area of Mala Mala. He was on his own but looking well. The next morning, he had disappeared once again.

Note of interest:

1. Lionesses from the Charleston pride (Mala Mala) are thought to be sisters or cousins of the Roller Coaster males due to interactions between the pride and the coalition when they were seen together in 2002/2003.

2. It is believed the Roller Coaster Coalition may have fathered the 2 younger Mapogo Males. When the Roller Coasters were a young coalition and still consisted of 5 surviving males, 4 ventured into West Street Males' territory and were reported to have been seen mating with the some of the lionesses of Eyrefield/Sparta pride that the aging West Street males still held dominance over.

The lone surviving Roller Coaster male is a beautiful lion and we can only hope he is able to maintain his dominance over the Eyrefield/Sparta pride and the Styx pride long enough for the cubs to reach independence. Update: Seems the old lion has lost his place as dominant male of the Styx Pride and may well be losing it with the Eyrefield Pride as well.

He is a real "character" too. Rangers in the Mala Mala area often joke how he can find a meal no matter where it is. If it is free and easy, he will locate it. :) Along with his dislike of having to exert himself to secure a meal, he also seems to have an aversion to fighting/defending his territory. If their is a conflict involving other males, he is more likely to let the girls in his prides handle the situation while he hangs out with the cubs or heads in the opposite direction. All said and done though.... he is a remarkable "old" man!

Rollercoaster Male Lion roaring


Please remember this is a compilation of information gathered from various sources and nothing is set in stone.

Lion - Wikipedia

FaceBook Fan Page

More Histories on Lion Prides and Coalitions in Sabi Sands can be found on the Wildearth Ning Site.

July 1, 2009

By Aquila & Karen in VA

Styx Pride of Lions

With the recent sightings of the Styx Pride within the Djuma Game Reserve, we thought a little background history on them may be enjoyed by the Wildearth.tv viewers.

Information/background has been gathered from various sites (Mala Mala, Londolozi, Djuma, Savanna, Nkorho, Elephant Plains, Singita, Exeter, Arathusa, Ulusaba, Inyati, Wildwatch, Idube, Leopard Hills, Simbambili) and their sightings databases along with helpful Rangers and staff at the various lodges and reserves answering questions sent their way.

Styx Pride occasionally referred to as the Mlowati Pride possibly referencing their past association with the Mlowathi/Mlowati males that use to dominate them.

Home Territory is mostly in Mala Mala.

This story starts in early 2000. The Styx pride consisted of a total of eight. One adult lioness of approximately 10 ½ years in age, four sub adult males two of which were a little over 4 yrs of age and two approximately 3 ¾ yrs of age who reached independence around November 2000, and three sub adult females. 4 ¼ yr of age Though this pride has been in existence for at least two and a half decades, these 4 lionesses (1 adult, 3 sub adults) were the beginning of the pride we know today. The pride, as it existed then, were one of few that managed to stay out from under the dominance of the forceful West Street Males. The West Street Males were a coalition of five males that sired many of the lions we still see today in the area including the six Mapogo Males/Eyrefield Males.

An interesting note about this pride, back around 2000 two lionesses reportedly broke off or were separated from the Styx pride and became known as the Sandy Patch aka Safari pride.

Today the pride consists of seven lionesses, only 2 Styx lionesses from the original 4 are still alive. They are 2 sisters that are now 13 yrs of age. The other 5 are surviving cubs from the original 2000 core of 1 adult and 3 sub-adult females.

Approximate age of the 7 Styx lionesses in May 2009

2 Adult lionesses appx 13 yrs and 8 mos

1 Adult lioness 8 yrs and 1 mo - Sired by one of the Mlowathi Males

1 Adult lioness 7 yrs and 3 mos- Sired by one of the Mlowathi Males

2 Adult Lionesses 5 yrs and 9 months - Sired by one of the Split Rock Males

1 Adult Lioness 5 yrs and 7 mos - Sired by one of the Split Rock Males

As of late July 2008 they had 11 to 12 surviving cubs including two just recently being born. As of Mar 2009, the exact count of cubs is uncertain but there are at least 9 and possibly more with speculation of recent births by at least one lioness.

The Styx pride are known to be hard Mothers. They haven’t had much success in raising cubs for a number of years now. Maybe this is the year that reputation changes.

In 2006 they had cubs by the Split Rock males. One of the males died in 2006 and the other old male maintained control of the Styx pride until mid 2007 when he was pushed out by the Roller Coaster males. Prior to the Styx pride being taken over by the Roller Coaster males, they lost all their cubs by the end of 2006 probably from infanticide by the Roller Coaster males.

Mid 2007, one of the Roller Coaster males was killed by a Crocodile. Since then, his brother has maintained dominance over the Styx pride and is believed to be the Sire of their current cubs. There have been a number of reports of the Styx lionesses seen mating with males from the Mapogo Coalition but the old Roller Coaster male is usually in attendance with the Styx pride and accepts the cubs as his. So don’t tell him they might not all be his.

The latest reports indicate the two oldest cubs were sired by the Roller Coaster male, the other seven it is unsure rather it was the Roller Coaster or the Mapogos or a combination of both that sired them. March reports indicate another lioness has very young cubs that were sired by the Mapogo/Eyrefield males.

There have also been several reports of the Styx pride fighting off Mapogo Males when they came near their cubs. Below are a couple of the recent fights between the Styx Pride and the Mapogo/Eyrefield Males as reported by Mala Mala.

August 2008

It seems the Mapogos found the Styx pride with their 11 cubs on Aug 10th. It was said the 5 male lions didn't pay much attention to the lionesses until they noticed the cubs. They went for the cubs and the Styx girls went into action fighting the males but of course they were no match for 5 big males and had to depart. The Mapogos went in search of the cubs but it was believed they couldn't find any. A couple of days later the latest Styx mother and her two new cubs were still safe in their den area. On the 15th of Aug. the rangers were relieved to see the rest of the pride along with the other 9 cubs so all survived the Mapogo attack.

The Styx pride have always been questioned about their Motherly qualities and are usually shown in a bad light when it comes to taking care of their little ones. In their defense… one must reconsider how good of Mothers they truly are. Taking on 5 big males to defend their cubs and grant the little ones time to escape to safety was indeed heroic.

On another Aug 2008 encounter between the Styx Pride and the Mapogos the Styx didn’t fare as well. The encounter was with 3 Mapogo males and the adult lionesses had an aggressive fight with them. One cub was caught and slung in the air but managed to survive and take refuge in the nearby rocks. The adult lionesses escaped unhurt except for one lioness that received fairly bad bite marks on her back but she recovered quickly.

December 2008

Another heroic attempt to keep their cubs safe was noted on Mala Mala, December 7th sighting. Mala Mala calls it the Battle at Campbell Koppies.

Two of the Mapogo Males, Kinky Tail and one they call MoHawk who have been frequenting the Mala Mala area in recent months, moved slowly one morning straight towards where the Styx Pride, the cubs and the old Roller Coaster male were resting. A fight was surely imminent when they spotted each other but instead the pride did nothing and the Mapogos skirted around them and found shade for the day.

That afternoon, the Mapogos and the Styx pride were all in the exact same place fast asleep. Things changed in the evening! The Styx pride with their cubs and the old Roller Coaster male in tow, moved straight towards the two Mapogo aka Eyrefiled males. The two Mapogo males sensed the females approaching and rose to meet them. Upon visual contact the Mapogos started roaring and ran at the Styx pride and the Roller Coaster male. All 7 of the lionesses and the old male scattered and retreated to the safety of the Campbell Koppies with their cubs. When the two Mapogo males came near the rocky area, the lionesses burst down from the koppies roaring and headed straight towards the two males. The two males hastily retreated back to the Milowati river. After the lionesses gave chase they returned to their cubs and the Roller Coaster male back towards the koppies. The two Mapogo males took this opportunity to mount another charge aimed at the lionesses roaring all the way. This time the Styx pride retreated to behind the Campbell Koppies and were moving away from the Mapogos. The two males rounding the western koppies ran into a well laid ambush. Five of the lionesses waited for their arrival and again charged the two Mapogos. Again with tucked tails the two ran for the Milowathi River with the girls in hot pursuit. The other two lionesses and the old Roller Coaster male had moved off with the cubs. Not admitting defeat the two Mapogo males again mounted another charge and sent the five lionesses scattering in all directions. Then a contest between the Mapogo males and the old Roller Coaster male erupted. Roaring back and forth with neither admitting defeat. The five lionesses set up a distract the Mapogos strategy which seemed to work well while the cubs were being lead further away to safety by the other two lionesses. Their strategy was to separate in all directions and roar loudly to distract/confuse the two Mapogos. The old Roller Coaster male split quickly as he had no real intentions it seemed to try and impose his dominance on the two Mapogo males.

Mar 4th 2009 the Styx Pride and the Roller Coaster male had yet another run in with two Mapogo males. Reports were of 4 Styx lionesses accompanied by 9 cubs and the old Roller Coaster male giving the two Mapogos a severe beating. The Styx lionesses came out of it with minor injuries and the old Roller Coaster male was limping and some new scratches to his nose but apparently nothing serious.

The next day, the two Mapogos had apparently met up with another Styx lioness who had made a kill near the Gowrie boundary and joined her for the feast.

The Styx Moms proved again they are being serious about protecting their cubs this time around. As shown in this clip from an awesome sighting live on WildEarth.tv on Sept. 2nd, 2008 titled "Styx Pride - Good Moms?".


Find more videos like this on WildEarth.TV

April/May 2009 Update on the Styx Pride: It seems the Old Roller Coaster Male has been ousted by two of the Mapogos known as Kinky Tail and the other one of the Mohawk styled mane Brothers. Five Adult lionesses and their nine cubs fled Mala Mala and have moved into more Northern and Western areas from Mala Mala. They have been frequenting the Djuma Game Reserve area during the last week in April and into the second week of May. The two missing Styx Lionesses were denning in Mala Mala's Campbell Koppies area with two small cubs. One cub is estimated to be 3 months old and the other 2 months old. They are said to be Mapogo cubs.

May 10th 2009 update on the Two Mapogos and the Styx Pride: With the bulk of the Styx Pride and cubs still remaining outside of their Mala Mala territory, reports from Mala Mala indicate that Kinky Tail and one of the MoHawk boys are now spending a great deal of time with the two Styx lionesses left behind with the two small cubs around the Campbell Koppies.

The two cubs were thought to be one from each lioness as they are noticeably different in size. That theory was put in doubt this past week when the older Styx lioness was seen mating with both Mapogo Males for four consecutive days. She was seen a week or so ago with a severe puncture wound to her skull and badly limping. She was progressing in her recovery but is now sporting another new puncture wound and again limping badly since the aggressive mating sessions. During some of the mating period, the younger lioness and the two small cubs were nearby.

Another strange occurrence was when Mala Mala rangers came across another Styx Lioness with two recently born cubs. Barely able to walk, it seemed the lioness was leading them to a new den site. They hoped the little ones would survive the journey.

May 17 2009 - Two Mapogo Males (Kinky Tail and Mr T) were viewed on Wildearth.tv early in the AM. One Styx Lioness was with them. Strangely, she laid out in the full sun with her head down with Mr T close by guarding her from escaping. Kinky Tail lay further off and it was apparent he had an injury to his front right foot/leg.

Tracks seen on one of the roadways, indicated there had been a fight between several males. The tracks of the Styx Pride and their cubs were there also. Later in the AM, radio reports indicated that two presumed members of the Mapogo Coalition were chasing the Manyeleti Male. He was chased all the way to the Northern border of Buffelshoek.

After going back to the sighting of the two Mapogos with the Styx Lioness, Mr T had moved off from the lioness to the shade near where his brother lay. The lioness remained in the full sun and looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but there. As Kinky Tail rested, Mr T kept a watchful eye on his prized possession. The Styx girls are known for their cunningness and this lioness proved it once again. She continued her submissive stance until the boys felt comfortable enough to let their guard down and OFF she went leaving the boys in the dust.

Video of her escape:


Find more videos like this on WildEarth.TV

More May 2009 reports: Arathusa reported it was believed the Styx were involved in a fight probably with some of the Mapogos at Arathusa's airstrip. The pride was split up and some members were seen at the airstrip searching for their missing members. The lionesses viewed showed signs of a battle. One lioness had a serious injury to her left shoulder and was not doing too well. On the next sighting, 3 lionesses and 1 cub (including the injured lioness) were on a warthog kill. The next morning they were happy to report that 2 more lionesses and 5 cubs had returned. Thus 5 lionesses and 6 cubs were seen. Three cubs were still missing.

Add to the above report, sightings at Djuma and Mala Mala and things are not looking good for the Styx Pride:

May 25, 2009: Sighting of one lioness identified as a Styx Lioness and one cub.

Mala Mala Reports - On the 24th of May, two of the older cubs were seen all alone but appeared to be in good condition. They were calling for the rest of the pride or their siblings. The next day (25th), at the site where the 2 Styx girls have the young cubs, a lone older cub was found not far away. It was thought to be one of the older cubs seen the night before. One of the younger Adult lionesses appeared but was not welcomed by the two lionesses with the young cubs. The young adult lioness was said to be extremely emaciated and in poor condition. She kept her distance from the other 2 adults due to their aggressive behavior towards her and joined the single older cub. The following day (26th), the bulk of the pride was found, 3 adults and 6 cubs South of the Clarendon open area.

May 30th 2009 - The Styx Pride was observed on Djuma around Vuyatela. The count seemed to be of only four lionesses and six cubs.

June 14th & 15th 2009 - Seen on Wildearth.tv live drives near Quarantine area of the Djuma Game Reserve. On the sighting of the 14th, viewed were three adult lionesses and five cubs. On the 15th, after an apparent Wildebeest kill, there were four adult lionesses and five cubs present. (Note: Arathusa reported on their June sighting of this pride, viewed were only four adult lionesses and five cubs, four females and one male)

June 16th & 17th 2009 - Again viewed on Wildearth.tv. Both sightings included four lionesses and five cubs. The pride enjoyed an impala kill each day. On the 17th, two adult lionesses were limping. One with wounds to the front right leg/foot and the other limping badly from what was possibly a thorn in her front right paw.

Other interesting traits of the Styx Pride.

They seem to have a true hatred of Leopards. There are numerous reports of them chasing leopards and killing them. They are the pride reported to have killed the White Cloth female leopard’s 18 month old son in of June 2007. Also for killing the Campbell Koppies female leopard’s 3 yr old daughter, known as “Yo” on Mala Mala, in January 2008. There have been reports of them chasing different leopards at different locations all in a matter of hours. It seems the Styx pride takes their hatred of leopards to an extreme.

One of the older lionesses who has two cubs is known for taking down adult Kudu on her own. Her and her young cubs seem to be well fed due to her excellent hunting techniques. She is a brave old lady also, when she and her two young cubs were on one of her Kudu kills along with the Roller Coaster male (he never misses a free meal), the Eyrefield pride approached 12 strong (3 adult lionesses and 9 sub adults) and though strongly outnumbered she managed to chase off the entire Eyrefield Pride and retain her well earned meal. A few bad scratches were all she received from the encounter.

This old lioness is the same one that gave birth right next to a game drive vehicle that was viewing the rest of the Styx pride in July 2008. The vehicle couldn’t move off as they were afraid their movement would put more pressure from an already intense moment thus they had to wait till the birthing process was over. Below is a video of the birth recorded by Ranger Graham Dyer that day.



We’ll end this story with a recent video of a Styx Pride Reunion by mabuhr. It just makes you want to say awww…



Putting the Styx Pride story down in writing is very hard as there are so many chapters in their lives. We can only hope, with the new cubs, the Styx Pride will remain in existence for at least another two and a half decades.

Please remember, this information is not set in stone as it is an evolving story and there are conflicting accounts.

A few photos from the Wildearth.tv cam:

Lion - Wikipedia

More Lion Histories can be found on the Wildearth Ning Lion Database.

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June 2009

By Aquila and Karen in VA

What a WEek!

It has been a very tough week at WildEarth. 
First the Jigga got into real trouble. The engine needed massive work to get back on the road. After being let down by two mechanics, sourcing the parts, getting the wrong parts, two trips to Nelspruit, a lot of phone calls and stress, WE eventually got the old girl back on the road. 
Then WE had to change over the network system again. Pete worked (and is still working) 20 hour days to finalise this system. As a result the archives were down for two days and you may have noticed countless changes and tests going on. The good news is that seekpoint search is almost complete and should be coming to a screen near you in hours (days at the most).
Last night (our time) you may have noticed a lot of strange inserts and much higher bit rates/resolution of the video stream, this was because WE were doing a demo for a potential new client.
Anyways, as usual there is a lot going on behind the scenes over here at WE. Hopefully soon WE will be able to start showing you how WE can stretch when given the opportunity. ;-)
The video above is a short look behind the scenes at Djuma, and is based on a WE-BiTS that Marco Tonoli did almost a year ago. It shows Patrick going to meet the La Bamba food delivery and the vervet monkeys stealing some of that food.
Written by Graham Wallington