General
Between September 2007 to February 2008, over 11,000 km were driven in search of lions, and over 490 lion sightings have been made of 103 different individuals. We are currently aware of 116 lions in the study area (includes 13 other lions reported by reliable sources). Each lion has a individual identification card made for him or her based on their whisker spot patterns and natural ear notches (see Woody's card below). The study area has a current lion density of 0.14 lions per km2, or 1 lion per 7 km2 (these figures should be viewed with caution for now, till we get more data).
Lion News:
1) Take-Overs:
The Woody & Roy male coalition continue their dominance of the Matambwe sector; taking over the Manze pride in late 2005, the Beho Beho pride in late 2006, and recently the Nzerakera pride in February 2008. However in the last take-over, when they fought off Alfonso, Woody lost an eye. Nonetheless this coalition of two males now controls three prides.
2) Births:
There have been many births recently. The Matambwe pride had five cubs, the Nzerakera pride also had five cubs, and the Mwana Mungu pride also had five cubs (although recently we have only been seeing two of them).
3) Moving On:
The two subadult males at the Manze pride have hit the age when they will be leaving home soon, and begin the nomadic phase of their life. As will Oscar of the Old Airstrip pride.
More useful information on lions can be viewed by visiting the following websites:
Lion Research Center
African Lion Working Group
