It was a sad start to the month for the Southern Pride. The lions were seen hunting and stalking Red Letchwe, but after a while we realized there was a cub missing. A few days later we came across two male lions from the Northern Pride, Old Gun and Sebastian; it transpired that the missing cub was injured and subsequently killed by these two dominant males. Infanticide is well-documented in lions with males often killing the young of others to try and ensure that only their genes are passed on. The rest of the Southern Pride had at this point moved on with one less family member.
The pack of 8 adults wild dogs and 14 puppies were fairly elusive this month, but when they were seen they delivered incredible sightings. On one occasion the guide and tracker team did brilliantly to track the wild dogs for a thrill packed hour and found them resting in the thick bush. While we were still watching them a young impala came running towards the dogs. After a moment’s hesitation the adult dogs pounced into action, caught and devoured the impala as we watched in awe. After the adults had stripped the carcass they then fed their puppies by regurgitating the meat. Yes, all the gory details do come along with the whole safari experience.
One of the more interesting sightings at Lebala this month started after a tssesebe made several alarm calls. We moved in to take a closer look and found a stunning pair of wild cats digging something out of a hole. Wild cats are nocturnal and spend most nights hunting small prey such as field mice, squirrels and birds. It is very unusual to see them during the day, let alone witness them hunting.
Leopards were seen fairly regularly; on one particular occasion we found fresh track of an adult leopard and two cubs. After tracking the leopard for a short while through the thickets we came across her and two sub-adult cubs feeding on a large male impala.
Cheetah were seen on rare occasions this month, a female and her two cubs were spotted near Halfway Pan with their bellies full. The two sub-adults were playing and chasing each other around a termite mound. This playtime is essential for the young adults as they dart around tripping and chasing each other, developing the skills they will need to hunt and kill on their own in the future.
The seasonal rain has arrived filling the pans and natural waterholes. The summer migrants have arrived, birds are nesting and the excitement of new life is contagious. There will be plenty to eat this year and we are expecting great sightings all round. The grasslands are lush and the grazers are content, as are the browsers as they trim the trees of verdant new foliage. It’s astounding how the rains bring new energy to the wilderness.
