In an effort to ensure their safety and provide them with a suitable habitat, six vagrant lions have been successfully relocated from Riverside farm near Malalane to the far northern reaches of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Image: Unsplash / Hans Veth
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This translocation, conducted on August 13, 2024, was a joint initiative by South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), reports MTPA.
The lions had been roaming the Riverside farm near Malelane for over a week, posing a risk to farm workers.
The MTPA, responsible for managing wildlife issues outside protected areas, requested SANParks’ assistance for the operation.
The decision to move the lions to the northern part of KNP was made after it was determined that returning them to their previous location in the park was unfeasible due to the presence of other new male lion coalitions.
Such coalitions would either have killed the vagrant lions or driven them back out of the park, potentially endangering nearby communities.
The operation involved darting the lions, fitting them with tracking collars, and transporting them to their new home.
This area of KNP, where resident lion populations are currently low, offers the six lions a better chance of establishing themselves and thriving.
The lions are now being monitored closely to ensure their adjustment to the new environment. Early reports suggest they are settling well and adapting to their new surroundings.
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