Panthera Leo, our beloved lion and king of the jungle, has been given the rank of ‘threatened species’ by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Habitat loss, the high mortality rate of cubs in the wild and the recent increase in poaching are just a few of the contributory factors in the rapid decline of the species. In 1980 there were roughly 250 000 lions in the wild and just recently, conservationists estimate that there are only 20 000 to 30 000 lions roaming our planet.
It’s imperative that cubs born into the wild mature into adulthood. That’s why we’re very excited about the new cubs that have been born into the Kruger’s Ross Pride of lions which traverses the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. These cubs face many natural hardships before they even become sub-adults. Cubs are a target for other predators and if the dynamics of the current pride are weak, this could also pose as a problem. For example, if a young male seeks to take over the pride and ousts the older males, this could culminate in the killing off of the current cubs. The new males would do this in order to mate with the females so the genes of the ‘new leader’ can be spread. There is so much to contend with when you’re high up on the food chain!
I spoke to Courteney, a passionate conservationist, lion enthusiast and one of the owners of the Africa on Foot camp about the future of the Ross Pride lion cubs.
Courteney, how many cubs have been born into the Ross Pride?
Currently there are two cubs that have been introduced to the pride. We speculate that there are others from a few different females which still have to be revealed. It looks as though the two cubs are a male and a female.
How often have guests and rangers seen the cubs?
The cubs have been seen on about eight different sightings, including today where the most of the pride was seen on a zebra kill.
Why was the news of the cubs’ birth delayed?
We kept their birth quiet for a while to take pressure off the pride. We stopped all vehicles and guides from trying to view them so that they could get a solid start to life without any extra pressure from humans.
I understand it’s imperative that these cubs grow to adulthood. What is your opinion about this?
The past few years have been very tough on the Ross pride and its cub mortality has been extremely high. New cubs bring life and energy back to the pride and in the future their physical abilities will contribute greatly to the prides’ hunting machine. More lions equals larger prey and more substantial kills. A larger pride also offer more security and stability for young cubs to grow and develop.
Could we do anything to ensure the longevity of the Ross Pride cubs?
We cannot interfere. Because we are part of the greater Kruger National Park we are in an open system and will always let nature take its course. this sometimes seems cruel but it is the way it should be.
Do you have any other comments?
Long live the Ross Pride!
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Cubs and their mom - Image taken by Mr Peter Weis, guest from nThambo Tree Camp
Cubs being introduced to the pride - Image taken by Mr Peter Weis, guest from nThambo Tree Camp
Cubs feeding - Image taken by Mr Peter Weis, guest at nThambo Tree Camp
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