The rivals had more than likely followed his scent through the bushveld. For them, the pursuit was related to territory and dominance.
The tense standoff unfolded before the viewers’ vehicle.
Older male lions makes his way through bushveld
A fairly aged and worn lion had been making his way through the dry bushveld.
Male lions usually weigh in the region of 190kg to 210kg and are a formidable force in the bushveld. They are not just an imposing threat to other animals but also to other male lions.
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The lion’s shoulders rippled with muscle as he walked along, and his golden mane, streaked with black, framed a face marked by old scars. Each scar told a story of battles fought and won.
Lions like him, known as territorial males, often rule a pride for only three to five years before being replaced by younger coalitions
Coalition of males becomes aware of lion’s presence
The male lion wasn’t alone as he walked through the bushveld setting.
Nearby was a coalition of two males, possibly younger than himself.
Chase ensues through bushveld
He had their attention and it wasn’t long before they were up on their paws and charging towards him.
The two challengers worked together, full of power and energy, posing a serious threat to the single lion. Coalitions of males, often brothers or close relatives, can control larger territories and dominate single males through teamwork and persistence.
As the rival lions approached, the lone lion picked up pace and ran away from them, understanding he stood no chance against their coordinated attack.
The sensing that he was outnumbered fueled his decision to sprint with speed through the tall grass. Lions are capable of running at speeds up to 80km/hour for short bursts, though they can only maintain it for a few seconds.
His massive paws pounded the earth as dust rose behind him. The challengers followed briefly, but soon slowed down.
Their goal was not to kill him. They had in mind to claim his territory and access to females.
Lions’ strict social structure revealed through confrontation
Lions live by a strict social structure. Males defend territories which may stretch over 100 square kilometres. They mark these territories by roaring and scent marking with urine.
When a coalition of new males takes over, they often drive out or even kill the previous dominant male.
If cubs are present in the pride, the new males may commit infanticide to bring the females back into estrus, ensuring that their own genes are passed on.
Having chased the older male lion away, the pair of lions came to a standstill, surveying the territory for any signs that he might return.
This incredible sighting was a reminder of the harsh but natural cycle in lion society, driven by survival and reproduction.
The power of male lions was on beautiful display and viewers were again reminded why these magnificent creatures are called the ‘King of the Jungle’, or in this instance, ‘King of the Bushveld’.
