The Low Down on the Shumba Lions

Shumba Camp – a look back at 2011

As the 2011 tourism season draws to a close at Shumba Camp, we reflect back on the year, which was without a doubt dominated by the Busanga Pride of lions – in particular the lioness that gave birth to and nursed her three cubs with within the confines of the camp itself.

This awesome encounter, which took place over the last three months, saw the lioness taking up residence under various guest tents and around a number of staff accommodations. The nursing mother was often seen hunting right in front of camp and was successful on many attempts. The two large Busanga males were also very active in the area. They were heard calling nightly and visited on a regular basis.

This was a truly magical experience for all at Shumba Camp as the maternal lioness and her three cubs became instantly popular through social media  and word of mouth and generated a lot of attention. However, removing the sugar coating tells a story of hardship and testing conditions for the ‘swamp lions’ as they have many environmental challenges to face on a daily basis – over and above the traditional trials and tribulations that lion cubs face. To put this into context, one has to look at the bigger picture…

The Busanga Plains are a seasonally inundated wetland interspersed with tree islands which have been created over time (largely by termite activity). There are also areas of higher ground. The home range of the Busanga Pride encompasses all types of terrain, but most of their activity is up and down the length of the Lufupa Channel (often crossing it). Lions are mobile hunters, they do not remain static (for obvious reasons) and one of the major causes of cub mortality is the inability of cubs to keep up with the pride as well as having last pickings at any kill. Lions of course do not bring food back to the cubs (unlike wild dogs for example). For these reasons this environment is tough on cubs – especially as the lions at times must move through water. Platforms above the water are numerous (tree islands and indeed camp structures built on tree islands), but because cubs will not be able to take advantage of this for long periods of time, these don’t help much.

(Apart from the natural limiting factors, predators also have to deal with a wide spectrum of anthropogenic challenges. These factors include hunting, poaching, habitat loss and human/wildlife conflict, but this is another discussion on its own.)

The Busanga Pride has shrunk massively over the years, but we also have seen other prides increase. It could well be that the ‘time’ for this pride is over; those in the area are of the opinion that the downfall started when one of its most successful hunters was killed by a buffalo – but in general, the dynamics of lion prides are not fully understood. There is currently one lioness with a severely mauled paw – we really doubt that she will make it through the green season as already she is out of condition and struggling to keep up with the other  three pride members. This shows that the harsh reality is not restricted to the cubs, even the adults can fall victim to their environment.

It therefore makes sense that the lioness would make use of the higher ground on which Shumba is built, and the wooden platforms on which the camp is constructed make for excellent protection from the elements and therefore the safest area in which to nurse cubs. How she views her human neighbours is anyone’s guess.

While it has been an incredible privilege to view these animals at such a close range, allowing us a small glimpse into their daily lives, it is important to remember that we are visitors into their realm and must allow them their space. At the end of the day, the nursing Shumba lions are still wild animals and must be treated in a respectful manner. In addition, the safety of both guests and staff is paramount, and so the distance between the two species is good for both!

In light of the above, it is our responsibility to, as spectators and custodians of Africa’s wilderness areas to conserve this apex predator species which forms an important part of the African ecosystem.