by Frank Japhet - Guide, Chada Katavi
On the 13th and 14th August, a male and a female from the Chada Pride of lions were mating in front of one of the guest tents in Chada Camp. Before the mating, they engaged in a lot of displaying: the lioness rubbed up against the male, then writhed on the ground at his feet. When the lioness invited the male to copulate, the male grips her neck before mounting. It is thought that this may make the female more passive. After mating, the female lion snarls and twists, trying to hit out at the male. The male moves out of the way quickly, growling. The female then rolls over and grooms herself.
When a lioness is in oestrus, together with the male they choose a good place for mating to avoid disturbance and competition from rivals. Shade is also important, to avoid the fierce sun, as well as staying close to water. Whilst we were watching them, they moved from place to place, but continued mating every 15 to 20 minutes. Lions continue to mate this often for about three days. This is to increase the chance of pregnancy during the period that the female is in oestrus, and to prevent any other male lion from being the father of the cubs.
Picture of Katavi lions by Peter Brack
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