Last night did seem rather pathetic although it was off to a good start.
Manyari and Sjambok were up at dusk and headed straight to Banyini a couple of kilometres away. I was sure they were keen to hunt now that their mating had basically come to an end.
Right in the southeast they were all focussed on an impala and then Sjambok gave in, walked over to Manyari and demanded a mating session.
Soon they were joined by Sjambok’s brother. He was read the riot act about trying to fraternize with Manyari, but now Sjambok wasn’t sticking close to Manyari and often seemed like he’d finished mating for now. But then out the dark he’d come and mate again.
The 2 males had a huge power struggle all night. Sjambok moving away from Manyari but as soon as he saw his brother heading in her direction he’d run back and claim his girl and the males would rub against each other and roll on their backs. (this is something I really need to film, but with every situation the grass has been too long to see anything but the tops of their heads.)
The trio were a major irritation all night moving but not really moving. Just not giving us any time to rest.
It was only at dawn that they got moving in earnest, the males leading the way. They moved all the way north across the airstrip and into the hills.
When I found them again the brother was with Magwaza on the rocks. She is definitely lactating and has probably hidden her cubs in the hills away from these males, as I don’t think they sired them. So there’s a good chance if they find the cubs that they might kill them.
Manyari and Sjambok totally ignored Magwaza and carried on mating. Eventually after all lying in fairly close proximity to each other for some time, Sjambok approached Magwaza intently. She wasn’t sure how to greet him and he too wasn’t sure how to handle her. He stood over her for about half an hour before moving away.
Manyari was also hostile towards her, which was weird as they both know each other well.
Also Manyari seemed to intensify her mating again when she was around Magwaza.
Magwaza will keep her cubs hidden for a couple of months probably to be sure they are safe with the males around.
So will the males try and search out Magwaza’s cubs or will they leave her alone? Although I’m sure hunting will be hot on the agenda tonight and Manyari’s oestrus cycle will surely come to an end.
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