#shishangaan pride

[tsalala]

The oldest lioness of the Shishangaan Pride. Photographed by Bill Drew in Singita Game Reserve, Lebombo, South Africa.

[wildpix]

This image of a Shishangaan pride Lioness captures her essence for me perfectly, looking a little weary and stoic, she is touched by a drop of backlighting of the sun as it rises over the Lebombo Mountains, giving her just a hint of glamour. Sleek, with soulful, intent eyes, she has her mind on her duties, closely watching a herd of Cape Buffalo and thinking of feeding her family, raising and protecting her cubs. I am amazed at her physical resilience, day after day, throwing herself with complete commitment at a 900kg Buffalo, slamming into it, avoiding hooves and horns, being thrown, pummelled, and against all odds, with the help of the sisterhood, she is usually triumphant and her cubs and pride are provided for, for another day.

By contrast all the glory go to the pride males, the glamorous beasts with large manes, their fancy names and their own Facebook and Instagram following. Looking at the Lioness I am tempted to be a little cynical. The males are portrayed as the protectors of the pride and territory, their noble role in life.

Yet, in a sarcastic moment, all these lords are protecting is their entitlement to bully the females and cubs off a hard-fought meal, their entitlement to a harem of ready females at their beck and call, their right to roam, laze around and sleep. Their role is purely one of self-interest, preventing other males from usurping them from their place of privilege.

This Lioness truly is the heart and soul, the essence, the lifeblood, of her pride.

 Photo by @reandutoit

#reandutoit #reandutoitphotography #naturephotography #nature #krugerpark #wilderness #africa #wildlife #safari #kruger #krugernationalpark #shishangaan #shishangaanpride #satara #wildlifephotography #motherearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #canon #lion #lioness #mothernature

[funnywildlife]

Happy Caturday! The newest #lion Superstar of the safari world has made an appearance at @singita_ Lebombo Lodge in the #krugernationalpark #repost from #wildographer & @singita_ super guide @rudihulshof “Born in the Shishangaan Pride of #lions, the new #whitelion is one of only 4 wild white lions that roam the African soils today. Speculation is rife as to who the fathers may be, but truth be told, this is something that could only be confirmed by DNA. For months the females of the pride have mated with; The two Trichard Males, 3 of the Satara Males, the Maputo Male and possibly even Shish Males. Yes they have been accepted by the 2 Trichard males, but there is no reason any of the remaining males would not do the same, all believing they are, (and having the same chance of being) the Father. 50% of Lion cubs do not reach a year old, and increases to 80% that cannot survive up to two years old. To continue the legacy of: known #white recessive gene carrying lions, we all hope this cub is going to be one of the 20% that could reach adulthood. Quick growth and easy food for the next couple months is a virtual guarantee as we move into Impala lambing season, and the female can provide regular meals to the developing cubs. Each month survived increases their chance of reaching adulthood. @sigmaphoto_sa Gear: - #Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens on Nikon D850 Body. #Wildography #wildlifephotos #rudihulshof #safari #wildlife #singita #bigcatswildlife #oursingita #krugerexplorer #wildlife_perfection #african_portraits #capturethewild #discoverwildpaws #animalelite #wildestafrica #featured_wildlife #wildographyandsafaris #all_animals_addiction #wildlifefriend #wildlifeplanet #WildlifeiG (at Singita Lebombo Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkS-CxssUzL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[itsmarjudgenature]

The ghost of Lebombo!

A sighting of the white Shishangaan male lion Casper is always a spectacular one! All four brothers were seen together yesterday and Casper was busy with a lioness from the Nsemani pride.

November 2022

Kruger National Park

Photo credits: Big On Wild - Wildlife Blog & Photography

[tagamark]

World Lion Day - Get to Know the Lions of Lebombo

New Post has been published on https://tagasafarisafrica.com/africa-travel-news/wildlife-conservation/world-lion-day-get-to-know-the-lions-of-lebombo/

World Lion Day - Get to Know the Lions of Lebombo

Spanning 33,000 acres, Singita’s private concession on the eastern edge of the Kruger National Park in South Africa is known for its dramatic landscape as well as a high concentration of iconic African wildlife. Abundant prey and a favourable habitat draw many big cats to the area, not least of all being eight imposing prides of lion and the interlopers who battle them for territory. Often referred to as “Lebombo: Land of Lions”, after the Lebombo mountain ridge that dissects the concession, it is one of the best places in the world to see these beautiful creatures surrounded by nature.

The fragile conservation status of the lion, whose numbers in the wild have halved over the past 25 years, makes the preservation of this ecosystem of primary concern for Singita and its partners in the Lionscape Coalition. Worldwide awareness events like today’s World Lion Day also serve to cast a spotlight on the need for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the survival of lions in the wild, and to help to spread the word about the importance and urgency of their protection.

Shishangaan males captured by Field Guide Brian Rode

Together with Africa’s other leading ecotourism operators – &Beyond, Conservation Travel Foundation by Ultimate Safaris, Wilderness Safaris and Dazzle Africa – Singita is working with the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) to harness the power of the tourism industry to further the ends of lion conservation. To date, the LRF has supported 56 lion conservation projects in 17 countries across 33 different organizations, pledging over $5,5 million to the cause. This innovative collaboration highlights the important reciprocal relationship between good business and conservation, while drawing much-needed attention to the plight of a species whose future hangs in the balance. Without initiatives like these, the remarkable lion encounters which are had by guests in pristine wilderness areas like Singita Kruger National Park will tragically become a thing of the past.

As a member of the Lionscape Coalition, one of Singita’s aims is to generate additional funding in support of the LRF’s goals, with 100% of all donations received going directly to projects on the ground.

GET TO KNOW THE LIONS OF LEBOMBO

Xhirombe Pride The lion now known as the Xhirombe Male was born close to Singita Lebombo Lodge in April 2013. In his formative years, he was most regularly seen in the company of his mother and surviving female sibling in the southeastern part of the concession near the border with Mozambique. This small pride of three (an off-shoot of the Mountain Pride, according to some of the longest-serving trackers in the area) specialised in scavenging along the fence-line between South Africa and Mozambique and also developed a unique hunting technique by chasing game into the fence. While it is presumed that the Xhirombe Male’s mother has passed away (she was very old and has not been seen since March 2019) and his sister has gone further afield, he is still seen patrolling his territory and feasting on his kills. His habit of avoiding other prides and therefore any confrontations with other territorial males means that he has very few battle scars and is one of the most handsome lions in the area. Xhirombe means “Rock Fig” in the local language of Shangaan.

Xhirombe Male by Field Guide Brian Rode

Kumana Males Comprising three adult male lions – one with a golden mane, two with black manes – this coalition was previously known as the Hilda’s Rock or Skukuza Males. They were raised by the Hilda’s Rock lionesses about 70km southwest of the concession before establishing a territory around Kumana Dam, where they were first seen in July 2018. They have been known to trail the Shishangaan pride, even mating with two of the lionesses earlier this year, but generally they stay in the southern part of the Singita concession, rarely venturing north of the N’wanetsi River.

Kumana Males by Field Guide Margaux le Roux

Shishangaan Males The Shishangaan Males are presently a coalition of three adult male lions. Aged roughly between 10 and 14 years old, the main part of their territory stretches northwards from the N’wanetsi River, and westwards beyond the border of Singita’s concession. The oldest of the males, referred to as Xihamham, or the “Grumpy Male”, has been known to associate with the Mananga Pride and the Mountain Pride, even stealing their kills when a leg injury prevented him from hunting successfully. All three males have been seen mating with Shishangaan or Mountain Pride females, as well as taking down rival males who venture into their territory.

Shishangaan Males by Field Guide Jani Lourens

Shishangaan Pride Perhaps most well-known for its most famous member – the “White Lion of Satara” – much of this pride’s territory lies within the Singita concession. They were once a mega-pride, numbering more than 30 individuals, but the group became so large that they were having difficulty feeding all the members. The pride subsequently split into two distinct groups, known as the Smaller and Larger Portion of the Shish Pride. The distinctive white lion, who was born into the pride in July 2014 near the area of the concession known as the Sticky Thorn thickets, is usually seen with the Larger Portion. A white female was also born to this pride, although she died at an early age.

The White Lion of Satara by Field Guide Brian Rode

Until last year, the Shishangaan was the dominant pride in the area with a significant territory and regular litters of cubs being born. In recent years, some of the sub-adults have splintered off while other members of the pride have been killed or badly injured by rival males. Sightings of the pride from the last few months have included seven lionesses who have been roaming outside the concession since last year and three sub-adult males (including the white lion) on a buffalo kill.

Shishangaan Pride by Field Guide Brian Rode

Mananga Pride These eight females are mainly seen in the central and western areas of the concession and spend a lot of time beyond its western boundary. They have been spotted fairly regularly throughout this year, most notably in the company of the three dominant Shish Males near a body of water known as Gudzani Dam or with Xihamham; the Grumpy Shishangaan Male.

Xihamham – the “Grumpy Male” – by Field Guide Margaux le Roux

Mountain Pride Consistent sightings of the Mountain Pride on the Singita concession have been recorded for more than 15 years. Also once a mega-pride of the Kruger region, their numbers peaked at 37 some years ago. They are often accompanied by at least one, if not two, of the beautiful Shish male lions. The pride currently consists of three adult females, one sub-adult female and three cubs, who were born in January 2018. These lions are usually seen in the central area of the concession and are often also accompanied by Xihamham.

Mountain Pride Females by Field Guide Margaux le Roux

Northern Pride A relative newcomer to the Singita concession, crossing into the area from the north for the first time in February 2016, the Northern Pride most recently numbered ten individuals. One of the lionesses is easily recognisable for her very scarred face, with big gashes around her mouth. As recently as January this year, five sub-adult males and a young female were seen chasing wildebeest in areas of open grassland and, on another occasion, seven sub-adult males and three young females were seen feeding on giraffe. All ten members of the pride were spotted recently near an area of the concession called Quelea Nest.

Other prides and unknown lions A number of prides and coalitions whose territories skirt the edges of Singita’s concession are seen near the boundary from time to time. These include the three large Northern Males, the Southern Pride and the Collared Pride; a group of six very shy lions, one of which wears a telemetry collar. Singita’s Field Guides and trackers also regularly record sightings of unknown lions – usually males – crossing into the concession in search of new territory.

With thanks to Singita Head Guide Chantelle Venter & Field Guide Brian Rode for their detailed sightings info.

DISCOVER SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Singita’s private concession in the Kruger National Park gives guests exclusive access to one of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and the wildlife which flourish in this carefully-protected habitat. The area is home to two breathtaking lodges – Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni – each set on peaceful riverbanks, enfolding guests in complete luxury while bringing them in close contact with their unspoiled surroundings.

Current promotions:

4 for 3: Stay four nights at either Lebombo or Sweni Lodges and only pay for three nights.

Best of Both: Book a combination of two nights at Lebombo or Sweni Lodge and two nights at Singita Ebony or Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sand and receive one flight per person between the lodges complimentary.

Kruger & Sabi Sand Combo: Book a combination of three nights at Singita Lebombo or Sweni Lodge and three nights at Singita Ebony or Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sand and receive one of the nights and one flight per person between the lodges complimentary.

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[tsalala]

The oldest lioness in the Shishangaan Pride at over 15 years old. The Shishangaan Pride is the same pride that gave us the oldest living white lion in the wild, Casper, who is almost a decade old. Photographed by Rudi Hulshof at Singita, South Africa.

[wildpix]

In the world of Warriors and Kings, the greatest mark of loyalty, respect, trust and love is to be called Brother.

And in the kingdom of the Shishangaan Pride, and amongst its four warrior males, this is reserved for uMfoweto, Zulu for “Brother”, a warrior and a king, but foremost, Brother.

Photo by @reandutoit

#reandutoit #reandutoitphotography #naturephotography #nature #wildlifephotography   #southernafrica #lion #brother #warrior #shishangaan #singita #nwanetsi #umfowethu #africa #satara #krugerpark #wildlife #savanna #bushveld #kruger #krugernationalpark #motherearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #canon @natgeoyourshot @natgeo

[wildpix]

Staring out of my study window, it is grey, bleak, miserable, muddy and wet, nowhere to go, all adventures on hold.

Somewhere in the African savanna, on a sunny morning. The philosopher, the thinker and well-groomed, sensitive gentleman is deep in thought, with his soulful eyes, in a reflective mood. A lover, not a fighter, Casanova, the romantic one amongst the Shishangaan pride males, takes time out to pose for a pensive portrait.

The King of Hearts.

Photo by @reandutoit

#reandutoit #reandutoitphotography #naturephotography #nature #lion #krugerpark #wilderness #africa #wildlife #savanna #safari #kruger #krugernationalpark #shishangaan #shishangaanpride #king #casanova #kingofhearts #satara

[wildpix]

Lions had been roaring all night to the south of the camp so as the camp gates opened at sunrise everyone rushed south, naturally we turned north.

Suddenly there were Lions everywhere! 3 magnificent males at first, then joined by females appearing as if from nowhere, alert and following a nearby Buffalo herd. And yes, the one male was white with pale blue eyes!!

White Lions are extremely rare and this is the one and only white Lion I have ever seen in the wild.

Some people claim that white Lions have mythical powers, some believe they are albino, others that they are leucistic, in fact they are none of these, the white colour mutation is the result of a recessive gene.

White Lions first came to prominence in the mid 1970’s and looking through my images again, memories come flooding back.

The white Lions were first introduced to the world by Chris McBride, sinewy, suntanned, bearded and with a ready smile, in his book “The White Lions of Timbavati”. Chris had spent years studying wildlife in Timbavati when 3 white Lion cubs were born in 1975 from 2 different females.

Chris, Charlotte and their son, Robert, visited us many years later in our home and his books, with beautiful dedications, are amongst my most precious possessions, so how appropriate to finally, by chance, see this male? Kitschly named Casper, presumably after the friendly white ghost.

Born in 2014, fathered by one of the males of the Shishangaan pride in the Kruger Park, he spent several years as a young male, roaming with other young males, prior to returning home, proudly laying claim to the Shishangaan pride along with a coalition of 3 other, normally coloured, magnificent male Lions, often referred to as “brothers” but I believe them to be unrelated

#reandutoit #reandutoitphotography #naturephotography #nature #lion #krugerpark #wilderness #africa #wildlife #waterhole #safari #kruger #krugernationalpark #shishangaan #shishangaanpride #whitelion #casper #timbavati #satara #chrismcbride #albino #leucistic

[tsalala]

She has now passed away.

The oldest lioness in the Shishangaan Pride at over 15 years old. The Shishangaan Pride is the same pride that gave us the oldest living white lion in the wild, Casper, who is almost a decade old. Photographed by Rudi Hulshof at Singita, South Africa.