In Uganda, a lion named Jacob, despite having only three legs, has achieved a remarkable feat. Alongside his brother Tibu, Jacob swam a record-breaking distance, impressing experts and researchers alike.
An unprecedented swim
According to experts, this swim is the longest ever recorded for the species Panthera Leo. Jacob and Tibu reside in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where in early February, they swam across the canal linking Lake George to Lake Edward.
Challenges in the water
The journey of these two large felines was documented by drones operated by a team of researchers. They made three attempts in total. The canal is fraught with dangers, including potential threats from hippos and crocodiles, which made the crossing even more challenging.
Overcoming the odds
The canal is perilous, and the physical exertion required is significant. Considering Jacob’s slower pace due to his three legs, lost to a poacher’s trap, the chances of success were notably reduced.
Typically, a lion swims up to about 330 feet, but Jacob and Tibu swam much farther. They covered a distance exceeding 0.6 miles.
Driven by instinct
What motivated these lions to embark on such a treacherous journey? The answer lies in a natural instinct: mating. The lion population in Uganda has drastically declined due to human-wildlife conflict and other threats.
The fight for survival
It is estimated that only 40 lions remain in the protected area, predominantly males. Reproductive pressures within the groups inevitably lead to conflicts, pushing some males to leave in search of mates.
Jacob and Tibu were among those driven out. Their first attempt to cross the canal was unsuccessful, prompting them to try again. Researchers have been closely monitoring their movements, conducting a study on this unusual case.
The study has been published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
Source: Ecology and Evolution
Francesca Capozzi 
