Paratus

Tuesday 22 October 2024

Paratus

A young adult male of the Hoanib Pride was darted in June 2023, fitted with a satellite collar and was named “Paratus”. We chose the name in honour of PARATUS, Namibia for providing internet services to many conservation efforts in Namibia.

The Hoanib Pride has a rich history and the role of “Paratus” during the past year is nothing short of extraordinary. Details of these events will be summarised and presented during future posts. Following several turbulent months of food scarcity and regular incidents of human-lion conflict, the future for Xpl-143 “Paratus” seemed all but doomed.

On the night of 12 October 2024 “Paratus” Xpl-143 did the most remarkable & unexpected thing.

He headed west, avoided the “death-trap” of the Purros valley with all its livestock, and continued far beyond the boundaries of the Hoanib Pride and into the hyper-arid parts of the Namib Desert. In the Hoaruseb River he picked up the scent of a lone lioness (Xpl-150) and, more urgently, he continued westwards into the dune and fog-belt. The following night, at a seep in the Hoaruseb River about 5km from the ocean, “Paratus” and the lone lioness Xpl-150 met-up. After the normal aggression displays that occur when strange lions meet, the two bonded quickly and started mating.

“Paratus” in the lower Hoaruseb River.

Xpl-143 “Paratus” and the resident Hoaruseb lioness Xpl-150.

The lioness Xpl-150 leads the male “Paratus” into unfamiliar territory.

Xpl-143 “Paratus” and the lioness Xpl-150 moves along the Hoaruseb River

Xpl-143 “Paratus” approaches the research vehicle, but distracted by Xpl-150

Xpl-143 “Paratus” and Xpl-150 moves past the research vehicle.

Xpl-143 “Paratus” mating with the lioness Xpl-150.

Orphan Lionesses

After their return from the Hoaruseb River, the three lionesses have spent time around the mouth of the Hoanib River

Lionesses crossing the main road.

The three Orphan lionesses moves inland after spending the night on the beach.