umfowethu
Sony A1, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSSII, FL: 106mm, S: 1/800s, A: F7.1, ISO: 2500
In the fading light of the African bush, a Gijima male lion watches for his brother.
Umfowethu means “my brother” in isiZulu.
The day was slipping into early evening, with the last warm rays of the sun brushing against the landscape, casting long shadows that slowly surrendered to the encroaching darkness. As night began to settle, the air was filled with the sounds of the wild—a cacophony of life that played on the veld like a timeless melody.
Amidst this scene, a deep, resonant growl pierced the dusk, booming across the open savannah. It was a call of dominance and territory, a primal sound that left no doubt about its source. One of the brothers from the Gijima pride was making his presence known, asserting his rule over the land. The large male lion lay with eyes half-closed, each thunderous roar punctuated by a careful survey of the horizon, his gaze sweeping the terrain for any sign of response.
His calls did not go unanswered. From the distance came a familiar sound - a reply that spoke of kinship and solidarity. His brother was returning. Across the vast expanse, a shape emerged on the horizon, a figure cresting a distant hill. The silhouette of his other half, distinct and powerful, stood outlined against the twilight sky. He sat up, half-lying, yet fully alert, anticipation in every line of his muscled form.
As the approaching lion drew nearer, the brother on the ground watched intently, eyes fixed on the point of movement. His brother, who had been away patrolling the fringes of their territory for days, marking it with their shared legacy, was finally home. Their reunion was a silent affirmation that all was well in their kingdom.
The Mighty Roar of the Lion
A lion's roar is not just heard—it is felt. This powerful sound travels through the environment, vibrating through the body of anyone nearby. With the ability to be heard over vast distances, a lion's roar serves as a crucial communication tool in the wild.
Under normal conditions, a lion's roar can be heard from 7 to 8 kilometres away. In exceptional cases, such as at Londolozi in South Africa, lions have been heard roaring from 10 kilometres away. This remarkable range has been confirmed by tracking and measuring the distances between observers and lions.
Lions use their roars primarily for communication within their pride and to assert territorial dominance. The roar serves as a bonding tool among pride members and warns potential rivals of the lion’s strength. What is truly fascinating is the lion's ability to pinpoint the source of another lion's roar and interpret its meaning. This capability allows them to discern whether a call is from a male or female, as well as whether it is friendly or hostile.
A lion's vocal cords are uniquely adapted to produce such powerful sounds. Unlike most animals with triangular vocal folds, lions have flat, square-shaped vocal cords. According to Smithsonian Magazine, this design, aided by specific fat within the vocal fold ligament, allows lions to roar loudly with minimal lung pressure. As a result, a lion’s roar can reach up to 114 decibels, comparable to the noise level of a live rock concert.
The roar itself is a structured sequence that starts with deep grunts, building up in volume and frequency before reaching a dramatic crescendo, then tapering off with more grunts. This performance is not only impressive in its volume but also in its physical impact, with vibrations often felt by those nearby.
Male lions frequently use their roars to patrol territories and assert dominance. A strong roar indicates a lion’s physical prowess, deterring rivals and attracting potential mates. This behaviour reinforces social status within the pride and helps maintain territorial boundaries.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
