Twenty Four Lions will be the seed population

[tigris115]

So will there be other reintroductions later on to boost the gene pool

 

[Fred Gunner]

A: We carefully identified the best South African lion populations for the reintroduction; all specific conservation-based criteria dictated they be free-range wild lions that had never been in captivity, as well as that they be genetically diverse but of the same subspecies that naturally occurs in Mozambique.

Different lion groups were carefully integrated during the quarantine period to form larger social units that could be released together. Larger prides are generally more successful at hunting and recolonization of new areas.

A: The Cabela Family Foundation has made a commitment to an additional six years of research and development for the Twenty Four Lions project. Post-release monitoring will continue indefinitely, based on satellite tracking via biotelemetry collars, so that tagged lions may be remotely located at all times. Fifteen lions have already been collared. As subadults mature and the social groups expand as cubs are born, more lions will be collared. Additionally, specialized computer programs will analyze data in real-time to identify predator kill-sites, inter- and intra- specific interaction, as well as distress and mortality signals, among others.

 

[Fred Gunner]

 

[StephenZambia]

Great initiative! I hope the groups formed in quarantaine will stay together. That has been tried before but hasn't really worked (hluhluwe for example). Will all 24 lions eventually be collared?

 

[Fred Gunner]

Footage from our drone ! the lions have accepted the dark colored research vehicle very well. This allows dr. Byron du Preez to monitor them on a regular basis. The abundance of game has kept them very much anchored on the fringe of the flood plain. These are some happy lions.

 

[StephenZambia]

BTW, does anybody know the status of lions in Coutada 9? Ten lions were introduced there in 2009, but I haven't heard much about that since.

 

[Indi]

Just to complement and rectify what member Fred Gunner is stating:
24 lions were released in 2 concessions in the Delta namely coutada 11 AND coutada 10 from Marromeu Safaris .
The number of buffaloes that you stated to be roaming in C11 is not true.
The number you stated are roaming in C11 , C10 , C14 and the special reserve of Marromeu and obviously not only in C11.
I think it is better to be more precise in the information given in this forum to our fellow members.
You are of course entitled to ask support for this cause but please put the facts as are.
I am a member of the Portuguese SCI chapter , I know very well how much Marromeu Safaris from Coutada 10 is supporting conservation and the excellent efforts done with anti poaching and I just want to tell that this initiative that they are one of the sponsors ( lions were also kept in their quarantine bomas and released into the wild ) is something that they are very proud of and Portugal is supporting them all the way!
Cheers

 

[Fred Gunner]

Coutada 11 just might be one of the very best wild life havens in Africa today.

 

[IdaRam]

BTW, does anybody know the status of lions in Coutada 9? Ten lions were introduced there in 2009, but I haven't heard much about that since.

Yes, I just returned from hunting with Doug Duckworth in Sengwa a few days ago and if I recall / understood correctly the lion population in Coutada 9 is currently between 120-150.

 

[Fred Gunner]

As you can see, lions are adjusting very well.
To date, plans put in place by zoologist Byron Du Preez have worked incredibly well...Immediate success has been realized and measurable success is on the cusp. Through the stewardship of Zambezi Delta Safaris, all possibilities and projections are attainable. Next goal cubs!!!

 

[Shootist43]

Out of curiosity how many of the 24 lions were males? Were these males breeding the females that were relocated?

 

[Fred Gunner]

Out of curiosity how many of the 24 lions were males? Were these males breeding the females that were relocated?

Dan Cabela tells me 6 of the 24 Lions are Males.

 

[Fred Gunner]

Taken August 31st. aerial lion tracking patrol saw 20 of the 24 lions. This is the group of 5 in Coutada 11. Judging by the belly on lion 1 and 3, I think we may have some new additions to the pride shortly

It’s amazing to see how our Twenty Four Lions are doing in their new environment. This dynamic duo of young males couldn’t be found with the rest of the group. So our team took to the air to make sure they were ok. Turns out they decided to do some exploring and have ventured out further than the others!

 

[Aaron N]

What involvement do you have in this project?

 

[Fred Gunner]

What involvement do you have in this project?

Dan Cabela and I are Face book Friends and he sent me a link to this project.

Simply made a donation with PayPal credit of $100 interest free for 6 months on their web site https://www.24lions.org/you-can-help/

Next thing you know I'm family? They send me weekly updates on my Kitties

 

[Aaron N]

Seems like a good cause!

 

[Fred Gunner]

The “ group of 5 “ from the first release have stayed together. It’s seems they have set up residence in the central flood planes. So far all kills have either been warthogs or reedbuck. The pickings are easy and they appear to be thriving.

Veteran wildlife helicopter pilot Peter Perlstein manning the telemetry. We work of loc stats sent at 08-00 and 14-00 each day then use the telemetry to get a visual.

 

[Fred Gunner]

Today with a heavy heart I have received this report:
We have lost lion 2783. He along with his brother starting walking their new territory. They headed inland from the delta. Tragically he was caught on the front paw by a poachers Gin trap. I picked this up on our morning flight to monitor all the lions. We mobilized our team and darted him. We had a vet on hand but unfortunately the damage was too bad, every bone in his foot had been crushed. We were forced to euthanize him. I’m so sorry ! The poacher who set the trap has been arrested and is now with the Marromeu police. His brother ( lion 2784 ) is still walking but seems to be heading back to the flood plain which is ideal. The balance of the lions are on the flood plain and are doing well. We monitor them on a daily basis. Anti poaching is on high alert and continue to do everything in their power to keep the area clean.

 

[Fred Gunner]

The harsh reality of gin traps - the poacher knew he had a lion in his trap. He had contacted interested buyers to sell off the lion parts. He had informed them he would only kill the lion once he had been paid and the lion had weakened! Thank you to Mark Haldane and his Anti poaching team for all of their dedication to these lions as well as all wildlife in the area.

I wish for the days gone by where poachers were shot on sight by hunters when Safari guides were the law in the areas they hunted

 

[tigris115]

I am so sorry that you lost this fellow. My heart goes out to thos cat