Tsavo-eater man

Black Tsavo puzzle

The Tsavo lions had a mysterious appearance: Neither of them had long hair. They were even thought to be of a different species than the type of African lions – which they actually have – but genetic analyzes showed that they were completely African. Why do they have no hair? The researchers point out that in a hot environment like Tsavo and with little water, they lost it to survive. In fact, stale lions have now been observed in Tsavo.

What prompted a male two lions to hunt together alone, so far from pride? Why do they systematically hunt and kill humans? Biologists proposed various hypotheses to provide an answer: one of them was the rinderpest of 1898, which, by leaving the lions without their usual prey, began to admire the dead men who threw themselves into the Tsavo River, because they passed there. caravans of slaves to Zanzibar; Others indicated that they were drawn to the ritual cremation of Hindu workers. Finally in 2000, examination of the skulls showed that the dominant organ – perhaps responsible for killing more humans – He lost several teeth and had a severe tooth abscess. Hence, the researchers speculate that it was too painful to chase and chase normal prey, and they found humans to be easier to catch…and eat.

In his book on his African adventure, Patterson writes that he found him not far from the camp Cave with human bones at the entrance And inside, as well as copper bracelets like those used by the indigenous people of the region, the Taita. Was it a man-eating den? Biologists suspect that Patterson really saw this because lions don’t live in caves and don’t carry their prey anywhere, which hyenas do. When a series of excavations were conducted in this place in 1998, no human remains were found. Did Patterson lie? It could be, but then those who believe in it have to explain why he did it.

Reveals what happened on the Tsavo River Totally mysterious animal behaviorFor ten months, two solitary lions terrorized hundreds of workers, and hunted them at night in their tents. Neither traps, nor fires, nor thorns could stop them: only .303 caliber cartridges were fired from a Lee-Enfield rifle.