| Parts of the Savuti channel in northern Botswana have seen water for the first time in 25 years and with the steady inflow from the Linyanti river, water levels had risen to uncomfortable levels within a day or even less. Where external prides (in this case from Selinda) could make frequent short trips to this area and go back are now stranded given their dislike for water and swimming. As the sun goes down, it brings both good and bad news for this visiting pride. They will soon go hunting and will have their pick from the abundant game here but must face the consequences if they run into the two large local males, also getting active after sunset and will not tolerate visitors hunting in their territory. Since this pride from Selinda is without its male(s), which have probably stayed back home, its cubs are certain to face death from the local males. Here, the adult females and a young male keep an alert eye on the proceedings around them. Right now, it is a group of happy photographers clicking away but with the light fading quickly, this pride will need to be on top of things. Trivia - On the lioness sitting at the very front with her back towards you, notice the black spots on her ears and at the end of her tail. Cubs and other members of a pride use these three black spots as a target to follow a leading member during a hunt. |
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