New bloodline for uMkhuze lions
Lions have thrived in uMkhuze, particularly during the severe drought
AT this year’s iSimangaliso MTB 4 Day event, iSimangaliso decided to auction a unique opportunity for a group of up to four people to join the introduction of a coalition of three male lions soon to be relocated into the uMkhuze section of the Park.
The successful bidders, Anton and Sue van Langelaar of Pretoria, bid the entire amount of R27 000 for the experience, which includes two nights’ accommodation at uMkhuze’s Mantuma Camp chalets, donated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The couple is very supportive of conservation and looking forward to joining the re-introduction team during September.
iSimangaliso and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife are extremely appreciative of their contribution, which is in addition to that already donated through the entrance fees of the 250-odd riders in the event to the Park’s Rare and Endangered Species Fund.
New genetic lines
The lions will be brought in from Tswalu in the Kalahari and provide new genetic lines into the current population of 13 animals.
Lions were first re-introduced into iSimangaliso in December 2013 after an absence of 44 years.
The males presently in the Park are all related to the females, hence the need for new bloodlines.
Lions have thrived in uMkhuze, particularly during the severe drought when herbivores have been hard hit.
The three new lions will be collared to enable tracking, as is the case with the existing population.
Regular monitoring is undertaken by Wildlife Act and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife conservation management.
The transport is being provided by the Bateleurs, a voluntary pilot service, who have asked only for a contribution towards the costs of fuel for the flights to an estimated tune of R27 000.
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