A Quick Overview:
For those who are new to our community, let’s take a brief look back. The original Kambula pride arrived at MalaMala in 2016, consisting of six young females. Though these females were new, their lineage could be traced back to the long-standing Marthly pride. The newcomers stirred things up by unsettling the Eyrefield pride and attracting attention from resident coalitions eager for mating rights.
The Journey Since 2016:
Since the takeover by the Ndhzenga males in 2021, the Kambula pride has experienced fragmentation. Today, we observe two groups within the pride – three of the original lionesses with three new cubs in the northern territory, and one original lioness with four younger lionesses raising 13 cubs in the central and southern regions. Although these groups operate in close proximity, recent developments have led to a clear distinction.
The Decision to Split:
Discussions regarding the separation and potential renaming of the pride have been ongoing for the past six months. Historically, neighbouring camps had minimal communication, resulting in different names for prides depending on the property.
MalaMala initially named the young lionesses the Kambula pride, while on Londolozi, they were referred to as Ntsevu, meaning “six.” To streamline data collection and create a cohesive approach, an agreement has been reached with neighbouring camps. As a result, the group with three older lionesses and three young cubs will now be known as the Ntsevu pride, fitting as there are again six of them, while the five lionesses with 18 cubs will retain the name Kambula pride.
Conclusion:
This official separation marks a new chapter in the lives of these remarkable lion prides. The decision to give them distinct names enhances our understanding and documentation of their behaviour, providing a unified approach across the properties. Stay tuned for more updates on the adventures and stories unfolding within the Ntsevu and Kambula prides at MalaMala!
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