This series of photos was taken in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa a few days ago, when Justin Glanvill, field guide at Cheetah Plains, managed to capture an episode of Africa’s most vicious battles. A lion fight broke out between two males; one, older and donning a more prestigious looking mane, and a second, looking slightly younger and less experienced than his opponent.
The younger male, bloodied, but still prepared to fight, bears his teeth ferociously at his opponent, who responds with his size and stature. Witnesses reported that the eruptive brawl had carried on for a couple of hours, typically tiring both males out, until one gives in and submits to the stronger lion.
Two lionesses had been hanging back throughout the brawl between the males and at this point started to inch closer, bearing their teeth threateningly and preparing what looked like to jump to the defense of the younger male. The larger male had approached the pride of 2 adult females, 2 sub-adult females and another young male; commencing mating with the 2 adult lionesses. In defense of their pride leader, these lionesses stepped in and one reportedly swiped the opposition male with a strong paw.
Ultimately, the scuffle seemed to die down, the opponents separated and the older male went to replenish himself at the nearby waterhole. Photographer and field guide, Justin Glanvill, suggests that this “spectacular” interaction is the result of the older male wanting to instigate a coalition with the younger male, rather than wanting to kill. He added, “Forming a coalition with the younger males would make sense, as otherwise he doesn’t stand a chance.” It’s survival of the fittest in the lion world and this is a magnificent display of just that.
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