Footage from yesterday clearly shows the Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male challenging the dominant male leopard in the area. We followed him for over an hour watching him scent mark, urinate, scrape and call numerous times as he proceeded to walk deep into the territory of the Camp Pan Male. By the time he reached Fluffies Pan he had worked himself into a frenzy. Calling for the Camp Pan Male Leopard to come and face his challenge. He was readied for combat!
Interesting is that this male comes from the far southeastern corner of Londolozi and is still, in leopard terms, relatively young. Camp Pan, on the other hand, is on the other side of the spectrum. Aged over ten and built like a tank. But many rangers believe his days of total dominance may indeed be drawing to a close.
Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male Leopard Marking Territory
Already, over the past year, we have witnessed him lose territory in the north to the Marthly Male (aka Tyson) and now he may be facing his toughest test yet. We watch in interest to see now the notorious Camp Pan will handle having a young up and coming male on his doorstep. Are we witnessing a change in arms, or is this merely yet another temporary intruder, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and comments below…?
Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male Leopard Portrait
Incredibly, the 5:5 male was adopted as a cub by his grandmother, the 3:4 female, and raised by her to adulthood.
Filmed and Photographed by: Adam Bannister
Last night we also had the Marthly Male calling and scent marking south of the camp. It appears that Camp Pan is now having his territory ‘attacked’ on 2 fronts at the exact same time. How will he handle himself now?
Itll be interesting to see if there is any interaction between Dudley Riverbank 5-5 Young Male and the Maxabeni Youngsters as well..
In a very close area we must have Camp Pan Male, Marthly Male, Dudley Riverbank 5-5 Young Male, and both Maxabeni Youngsters, must make for interesting game viewing.
Is there any more that has happened between the two since then? Dudley Riverbank 5:5 is looking brave 🙂
Just yesterday, 3 April 2011, the Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male was seen with the Vomba Young Female. He had chased her up a tree and was sitting at the base waiting for her to come down. There has been no more interaction between the males.
Great comment Graeme…it is true we have a huge number of male leopards in a relatively small area! Someone, I feel, is going to have to give and move out! How much longer can Camp Pan maintain his throne?
Good to know that 5:5 has become independent and is trying to establish territory. In 2003, when my husband and I were there, he was still hanging very close to 3:4, his grandmother, at about two years of age.
Its amazing that a small area has like 5male leopards. I am from Kenya and am a great wildlife fan. Most films I have watched on leopards are mostly on females. E.g big cat diary. But what i relish is watching a male leopard in all its majesty and pride. I mean female leopards, I see them being meek to animals like hyena and baboon. I know a hulking 90kg camp male would tear any of those apart. Good work keep us posted.
Patrick agreed! Although the deft and petite beauty of a female leopard is incredibly graceful and stunning to see, a big male leopard is just such a beautiful and impressive cat. Their ability to challenge larger prey and their confidence when moving through the bush is truly something special. This male leopard, the Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male is just starting to reach his full size and it is going to be brilliant to watch him grow…
Stunning, one can see the man means business!
He certainly does. This male leopard seems to get bigger and stronger every time I encounter him!
Im heading to Londolozi in August and am absolutely delirious with excitement in thinking of what will unfold with Camp Pan by then…..he is truly a majestic cat!
He is awesome Sian and a huge amount could unfold before then. Hopefully you will get to experience both Camp Pan and Dudley Riverbank 5:5 in action.