Is there a difference between Lion in the Kalahari Gemsbok Park and say those of the Kruger National Park? According to the experts the Kalahari Lion have adapted to the arid conditions. To me they have a difference in colour and maybe even size, not that I was prepared, in either case, to vacate my vehicle with a measuring tape and scale.
The Lion of the Kalahari appear bigger or fatter, almost cuddlier, again not a theory I was prepared to test, but below are two photos I took of Lion, the left, of one in the Kruger and the right, one of the Lion in the Kalahari.. The Kalahari being on the West side of the country and the Kruger on the East side..
The colour is definitely different and that of the Kalahari looks better fed… not that I was going to take a closer look on foot in either case..
But where the Lion is persecuted and shot for its skin in so many parts of Africa… are these not a thing of beauty that should be enjoyed, rather being shot with a camera.??
They don’t seem to mind you hanging around do they? Beautiful shots!
No they are quite happy to see us.. I just wonder if they sit there hoping we get out of the vehicle…
It should definitely only be shot with a camera. Beautiful captures, and very interesting info about the differences.
Thanks Inga..
They’re both gorgeous animals, but I agree . . . the Kalahari lion seems to have a little more heft to him. They are amazing and gorgeous creatures.
Thanks Maralee… I love these creatures…
I wonder who first termed the lion “King of the beasts?” It is such an apt description. Your photos are magnificent, and yes the one seems a little leaner. It does just pain me to think they are still shot for any reason at all. Is there legislation against the practice and poachers ignore the law, or is there no prohibition? You must have just been so thrilled to be this close…close enough there BD!
There are farms where legal shooting of Lions is permitted… I know they are bred for it and it apparently brings in a fortune in foreign currency.. as there are so many prepared to pay $10 000 odd to shoot one… God only knows why.. trying to prove their manhood or something..”big white hunter” status.. who knows..
They are not really poached in the Parks but the “canned” Lions as they are known here just sets me off…
I get so much closer to Lions, as you shall see tomorrow..
Thank you …
Just thought the same thing … he looks a bit skinny – all the ribs shows, hopefully he are okay and healthy, he doesn’t look that healthy. Still a beautiful animal.
Both very healthy animals… the Krugers show their lack of a meal far quicker than the Kalaharis..
Bulldog – yes, these amazing creatures should be shot – exclusively with cameras. Beautiful. Being able to see these guys in their natural habitat must have been the experience of a lifetime.
I do it and get the chance multiple times per year… I am just lucky to live near the Parks and have the time to visit them…
majestic and powerful..did you take the photos from your car?
Most definitely…
They are scary and they are beautiful. Shooting by camera only. I feel the same about our bears.
How I agree… at least with a camera we all get a chance to shoot the same subject… the way it’s going with our Rhino at the moment.. the chances are my grand children won’t be able to show there kids a wild one…
I’ve been hearing about rhino poaching for years. I’m surprised there are any left.
At least our Government have now started to use the army in some of the parks, and poachers are being shot and killed… they are earning such huge money from this atrocious trade with China, that even some of the very people employed to protect them are being caught poaching…. at R 60 000/kg ($ 7 500) it is more expensive than gold/platinum…
588 Rhino lost last year to poaching… 3 on the first of jan this year.. the tally to now is more than 1 a day… we even have them being shot from helicopters…
Some are being darted with drugs and the horn removed before the animal is dead… and not just removed but the skin around the nose area and all.. totally removed
Mothers Killed and the baby left to die along side her from starvation…
No these people deserve to be shot like the animals they shoot… and the biggest problem.. the Rhino horn is nothing more than the very toe nails we cut regularly off our own feet.
Yet the people that by it use it for sex drive and a few other like things… Hell I’ll send them boxes of Viagra, (for free) if they will just leave our Rhinos alone… but this is an Africa problem…
That is so awful! We have a similar problem with poaching of bears for their various body parts (gall bladder and I don’t know what all) for the same stupid superstitions about sex drive. How pathetic! You’d think we still live in the Dark Ages. It sounds very bad for your rhinos though. I’m really sorry about that situation.
I think with the stand being taken throughout Africa now, with a shoot to kill attitude of anyone found in a Park with weapons, might just slow the process down. As well as the delegations we have going to China to try and educate the unenlightened, we might just slow things down… But how do you educate people that have been believing this nonsense for years…
I spoke with a young woman who took me to see some Lion that had been reintroduced into the wild… an expert she was at the age of 28… she was part of the one delegation that had traveled to China… she said it was not the younger generations that needed educating but the older ones that believed this nonsense.. so hopefully the beliefs will die out before the Rhino…
I sure hope you’re right.
Bellissime le foto, come lo è il tuo pensiero finale!!
Ciao, Pat
Thanks Pat.. just a Sunday thought..
I’m so disapointed you didn’t have your photo taken next to one of these beauties….lol. Magnificent!
Couldn’t get anyone to take the photo… and they kept moving every-time I set the timer…lol
Great shots!!!
Thank you… the Lion always seem to co-operate with me…
Come on Bulldog, where’s your sense of adventure? Just walk right up to him and shake his paw LOL!! All kidding aside, the lion is one of the most beautiful and majestic creatures on this earth, and you are so lucky to be able to observe them from any distance. Do you have any pictures of the cubs? They are so adorable!
I do have cub photos but not of the best… I think maybe next time I’ll alight from the vehicle and walk about calling to see if I can get them to come out from their hiding spots… will just have to ensure I have enough replacement undies with me…lol
LOL!!! Good idea
.
Hey, do you think you could get someone to video tape it?? I’d like to see how fast you can run! LOL
It will have to be one of those super high speed cameras… I think Husain Bolt’s 100 m record will be broken with ease…
You never fail to make me laugh Bulldog
. I’m picturing it now!!
Well at the more cuddlier one! haha
I still shudder at the thought that people get pleasure out of shooting these magnificent creatures with anything but a camera.
I’d agree with you on colouring and size but, truly, for the sake of science, could you not possibly go over and measure (also, please check cuddliness – this is vital to the results).
I think I’m going to put all thoughts aside and in the name of science do just that… just as soon as someone lets them know I’m going to be doing it… just so they don’t get a fright and run away..lol
Great pic Bulldog … and a wonderful closing statement!
Thanks Frank … just a thought..
Good that cameras rather than guns are used for shooting wildlife. I agree that there is a survival advantage of having a long lens camera to photograph such dangerous animals at a distance
Thanks Alex for the comment.. much better with the lens..
They still remain one of the most beautiful animals on earth. Much better being shot by camera
I do agree the camera shot are always more beautiful than a skin on the floor or wall…
You don’t fancy doing a Kevin Richardson then and lying down with them tickling their chins?
Most definitely not… He will be bitten sooner or later… I have a post coming up with a short video clip of a jackal strolling up and nipping a lions tail… the reaction talks for itself.. although the jackal gets away.. they don’t seem to like surprise visits…
He says that even if he gets killed by a lion, he would do it all again. Each to their own I guess!
One thing is for sure it will be quick… being killed by one wouldn’t bother me.. but I don’t want to end as a meal…
Your Kruger fellow does look a little lean around the hindquarters! Perhaps there’s a greater number of lions there and more competition for food? Nevertheless, both look fit with shining coats – wondrous creatures indeed
The Lions in the Kruger I think have to work a little harder for their meal than those of the Kalahari that just have to sit near a water hole and sooner or later their meal will arrive.. almost like a take out delivery..