Search for escaped KNP lions ongoing
It is thought that more than one lion has escaped, however the last sightings on October 28.
It has been reported that more than one lion has escaped, allegedly from the Kruger National Park, and they are currently being searched for in the Makoko, Hazyview and Numbi areas.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) spokesperson, Kholofelo Nkambule, said it is unclear how many lions are out of the park, but it is thought to be more than one.
The last sighting of any lions around those areas was on Thursday October 28.
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One of the lions is believed to have killed an ox in Makoko last week, leaving behind the carcase as evidence of its presence.
The MTPA’s carnivore specialist, Gerrie Camacho, said they are on the ground monitoring the situation, but no new clues hinting at the lions’ whereabouts have surfaced.
He said strong competition among predators such as the spotted hyena, leopard and lion has caused a push-pull effect.
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“The lions we often see escaping from the Kruger area are a direct result of increased lion numbers. They are pushed out by stronger rivals and drawn to areas where there seems to be fewer other rivals,” said Camacho.
“These lions have no idea that they are in or near human settlements, orchards and cattle, and therefore are more nervous and seem to move much longer distances to try and escape human pressure and foreign terrain in their exploration attempts.”
