Addo Outings 2015

[Richprins]

Those are Kgalagadi lions, right?

There is that theory that living in dense bush thins the manes out, which is why desert lions have fluffier manes?

[Mel]

But why haven't Roy and Nomad lost some of their terrific mane then yet, RP? More bush in Addo than in the KTP, although I'm not sure if they stem from there or not.
PJL will know though.

In either case, this is one awesome lion sighting and I would lie if I said that I wasn't just a tad jealous.

[nan]

indeed magnificent

Mell soon... those Lions (and lot of others) will be for you

[Flutterby]

Those are two very handsome lions - great pics!

[Pumbaa]

According to all these amazing sightings you had, PJL,

I in fact should plan another trip to Addo - Love the rats, the black korhahn, the caracal and the many lions and what a fanastic experience to observe that collaring

[Richprins]

But why haven't Roy and Nomad lost some of their terrific mane then yet, RP? More bush in Addo than in the KTP, although I'm not sure if they stem from there or not.
PJL will know though.

Ja, that's what I'm saying!

[PJL]

Those are Kgalagadi lions, right?

There is that theory that living in dense bush thins the manes out, which is why desert lions have fluffier manes?

Interesting - I haven't heard that theory before. Is the idea that the lions would catch their manes on bushes and so they effectively get trimmed as they walk along?
Oh and yes they are indeed of Kgalagadi origin

[Mel]

That's at least how the Krugerians try to justify the less magnificent mane in the Kruger lions compared to the Kgalagadi ones.

[PJL]

Well from what I've seen of their behaviour in Addo, the lions don't exactly go walking through thick bush. When it's dense they would probably struggle to fit through so they tend to stick more to roads and firebreaks in those areas.

Having said that, there's probably something around genetics for the big manes. Gibson has a nice size mane when compared to Kruger lions, but it's nothing in comparison to his brother Melvin who makes him look a little bit scrawny.

[Lisbeth]

Sure it's genetic, the Kruger fans are only jealous