Dramatic lion action in the Okavango Delta

This now leaves only his surviving brother to protect the pride from the Tattoo Boys and other potential threats. This is a point of concern as the pride has nine or so cubs and if this lone Mathata male can’t hold his territory, it is highly likely the cubs will meet an early demise. For experienced onlookers, it is a case of not if but when, for the lion's strength lies in its numbers. And one is a very lonely number. 

The two Tattoo boys, as well as other predators, like large wild dog packs or hyena clans, pose a serious threat to this male and his vulnerable pride.

The Mathata cubs are roughly two to four months old. Due to their current location, across the water-filled floodplain, our guides on the ground haven’t been able to accurately sex them yet. Once the waters begin to recede, access will be easier to the pride, for game-viewers and rival males alike. Male and female cubs mature at slightly different rates; however, if the cubs are able to reach the age of 12 months, their survival rates stabilise and are no longer at such risk. This means that the lone Mathata male needs to hold his territory for at least another eight to 10 months if these cubs are to stand a chance at surviving. No small feat. 

For us on the ground here at Mombo to witness this unfold is thrilling. We have many questions and only time will answer them. Will the lone Mathata male be able to defend his pride? How will he do this? Whether it’s through defensive calling, trying to scare off the Tattoo Boys or moving the pride strategically further into the water etc., we don’t know. 

If the Tattoo Boys do move in, will he confront them physically? And can he win? We are not certain; but what is certain is the lone Mathata male needs to now choose a very careful path forward on how he defends this pride. For his sake and the sake of his cubs. 

Images by Wesley Hartmann, Wilderness Head of Environmental and Conservation Operations