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BVivier,

That is not fair! Wow!
They are magnificent, and in such rugged surroundings!
Thanks for sharing!


Friedrich von Hörsten

Wow BViviers Great photos and sightings! Were were the lions when you had these sightings?

Why is this thread so quiet?

We're heading to Bizweni Cottage in Karoo NP in August and I was hoping to start keeping tabs on the kitties!

We were there two weeks ago and did see lion tracks at one of the old farm houses, but no lions.

Some news from the Lions in Karoo National Park.

We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the Karoo National Park; November 21, 22 and 23. During that time, lions were seen every day by various people on the 4x4 route. Unfortunately, we did not have a 4x4, so cannot confirm for ourselves.

Also, we did a guided hike, and our guide told us that the Karoo National Park has 2 more Lions in a boma and that one of the females is expecting. They are hoping to have around 11 Lions by February.

The guided hikes are free and highly recommended. They leave 3 times a day and you need to reserve your spot.

Leaping Lizards, you made my day!

I immediately phoned the park to check the facts, and you are so right!
Two young MALE LIONS imported from the Kgalagadi! They do not have manes yet, so are subadult/adult I would guess about 2 years old??
for each one of them! I suppose to bring new genetic variety to the Karoo when the old males need replacing...

Further good news. They suspect one of the younger females has already given birth to at least 1 cub -- small tracks/spoor has been picked up by the rangers. So far no sightings, but can't be older females since they are still on contraceptives!

This is serious in-breeding (unless the Dad was the other male...), but hopefully the new young males can sort matters like this out in the future!

I am going past Karoo NP next week -- still never seen a lion there. Will it be my lucky day?

God bless and thanks a million for the good news,

Friedrich von Hörsten

Its been a pleasure to bring you the good news. We plan to go back to the Karoo in about 3 months time. This time with a rented 4x4. We were told that the lions are mostly seen on the 4x4 loop. Also, the animals we are looking for, foxes, aardwolfs are also seen in that area.

Great news about the cub(s)! Would love to hear how they're getting along.

Two new arrivals!!!

http://www.sanparks.org/about/news/default.php?id=55440

Hi Salva

Thank you for putting this good news on -- really exciting!
Hope this means the older males will keep them "cornered" close to the entrance gate and camping area so we can see lions easier in the Karoo!

God bless,

Friedrich von Hörsten

Thank you Salva for great news and photo

Fantastic news! Shame one cannot visit the park comfortably in a sedan as would be there in a flash.

Is the park big enough to introduce Cheetahs too, or are 9 lions too many for other predators to survive? One of the reasons for the lion introduction is to control herbivore numbers. How many herbivores are 9 lions likely to kill a year?

When I was there 3 years ago, we were told that there was a plan to reintroduce cheetah, but dateless. Their prey animals (mainly springbok) would need grow into sufficient numbers, but the vegetation is not nutrient rich enough to support large herds.

But brown hyena were reintroduced last year.

So. Who is going to be first to post picks of the 2 or 1 of the 2 new boys?

More lions for the Karoo!

It doesn't say explicitly where the lions come from.
I read it as from the KTP. Is that correct?