Reg.
No. 98/18384/08 (a Section 21 Co. not for gain)
"In
Custody of Our Natural Heritage" 
"Subject" links at bottom of page
"In
Custody of Our Natural Heritage" "Subject" links at bottom of page |
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PREDATORS This page is dedicated to ALL predators in Marloth Park. Should you have some interesting stories and photo's, please e-mail these to us at PREDATORS Marloth Park's 2 x cheetah's have been seen on a regular basis in and around Lionspruit. Here is a photo of the male, taken during the April/May 2001 Long weekend.
All Photo's taken in these web pages were taken at Lionspruit, Marloth Park LIONS IN LIONSPRUIT There are currently two male lions and three females in and around Lionspruit. (Photo's below).
On
22 and 23rd March 2001 a male and female was spotted mating in
Female-1 came into estrus again during the weekend of 27 May 2001 - if successful cubs could be expected early in September 2001 - So look out for them roaming Lionspruit in October 2001 Communal living has many advantages to a pride of lions, such as allosuckling of cubs, larger prey can be hunted, better prey success and defending of the pride and territory. When plenty of food is available, lions gorge themselves to near immobility, consuming up to 15% of their body weight, an average of 30kg, five times the daily need. Such a vast amount of meat has to be digested and for this reason lions can sleep up to 20 hours a day. A lion needs approx. 5kg of meat on a daily basis.
Females move off alone when they are about to give birth. Cubs stay hidden for one to two months before being introduced to the rest of the pride. This depends on the size and age of other cubs in the same pride. Cubs are regularly moved to avoid predators who might detect cubs by scent. If only one cub is born, the mother would usually leave it, as infant mortality is high in cubs and she would only be wasting precious time trying to raise one cub. By leaving one cub, she would be able to come into estrus sooner and have a better chance at having more cubs. Spending two years, raising only one cub, which might not even survive is not a beneficial situation. As many as 50% of cubs never reach adulthood. Male (cubs) suffer a much higher mortality rate than female cubs. Cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing 1-2kg and they start viewing the world around them at between 3-11 days. They start feeding on meat at approx. 3 months and are weaned at 6 months. Cubs stay with their mothers until about 2-3 years, after which period, the young males are usually driven off. These males then generally form coalitions and should eventually be ready to take over a pride of their own. During a take over, males usually kill all young cubs and then displace the older ones. It is done to ensure that the females come into estrus a.s.a.p. It's a common and normal reproductive strategy in lions. Lactating females suckle cubs indiscriminately, not showing favoritism for their own. This is thought to assist with the distribution of different anti-bodies in the milk. Females remain playful throughout their lives but the males stop playing at ± 3 years. Life expectancy, in natural habitat, is females up to 14 years and males 9 years. This various from region to region and circumstances. Lions prevent disease from spreading among prey herds and offer a quick death for old, sick or injured animals, which otherwise could suffer from diseases, injuries or starvation. Predators are important for the Eco system as they prevent the over population of prey species.
for more on Marloth Park's lions visit the LION WEB In no way, does links to ANY web pages, mean that the Ngwenya Eco Foundation agrees / disagree or approve of the contents thereof. We have been requested by Property Owners, who created these links, to add links. They are non-profit sites. Links to Lodges have been added on the Marloth Park/ facilities / accommodation pages. Please note that the NEF does not profit from any of these organizations. To visit these pages you will be leaving the Ngwenya Eco Foundation site but you can return using your browser. |
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Wildlife 1 Wildlife 2 Wildlife 3 Predators Lion Photos Lion Ladies Birds Insects Snakes Images Riverview Lost? click here to go back to the NEF CONTENTS page Copyright © 2000 Ngwenya Eco FoundationWebmaster: e-mail: Charmane
Baleiza
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Lionspruit. From
observations it could be established that it was their 3rd day. Gestation
lasting approx. 110 days and should the mating have been successful, cubs could
be expected between 05-10 July 2001 and could be viewed approx. 7 weeks
after. Should mating not have been successful this could lead to the
female coming into estrus again in 3-4 weeks. Take note that relatively
few copulation’s actually lead to conception! 
For interest sake : A study in
the KNP proved that 20% of all copulation’s lead to conception with approx.
6-7% of all females being sterile. Cub mortality is as high as 50%.
It's is not recommended that you
visit Lionspruit in an open vehicle, especially with children on the back of a
vehicle. Please ensure that your children and family are
kept safe at all
times, keep in mind what happened with the leopard in the KNP
during March 2001! We all know the rules so
please abide by them, take heed to special warnings that will be issued at the
gates of Lionspruit. 
