We were just about to leave camp when we heard the rasping call of a big male leopard in the distance. I looked at Richard Siwela (my tracker) and suggested to him that it might be Camp Pan. However Richard disagreed as he seemed to think that this call, although deep, was not as loud nor as deep as Camp Pan’s roar. You see to the untrained ear – all leopards’ calls sound the same. However every leopard has a unique
call and if thus if you are as experienced as Rich was you would be able to pick up the subtle differences.
We listened for a few more minutes and heard him call again which allowed us to pinpoint his position. We left camp excited and started to move in to try and find this mystery leopard. Richard was right as within minutes we found the Marthly Male setting up an ambush outside the entrance to an active warthog burrow. We sat with the Marthly male for nearly an hour as he lay waiting patiently for the warthogs to come out. Thank goodness for our patience.
This male moved in from the north of the reserve in 2010, and was instantly recognisable by his unique tuft of fur at the back of his neck.
The Marthly Male with his warthog – Mike Miller
Written by: Mike Miller
Filmed by: Alexa Schenk (Londolozi Guest)
Hi Guys, and girls 😉
Thanks for this amazing story.
You have some impressive tom males on your property.
Which are the biggest?
I thought Camp Pan, Emsagwen, Tyson, Shorty ( From huge to big 😉 )
I last saw some footage of Emsagwen and he looks like the biggest, but Camp Pan being more stocky?
Tyson look impressive too. ( neck and head)
Really enjoyed your story,and video Mike .Makes me wish I was back home in SA.Keep up the good work.I just need to find a way to bottle up the wild African bush veld smell,miss that too.
what unbelievable footage. patience is a virtue 🙂
Gosh….!!!!The Marthly male’s quite strong!!! It’s amazing the things you can capture on tape at londolozi…do leopards always hunt often warthog though?
Wow what a special sighting!! Fantastic.
Such a beautiful male too
Awww, Mike. Next to elephants …. warthogs are my favorites. Good to see you back in such a special place. Aloha.
An amazing experience.
Mike Miller…… i though all you were good for was a solid 4 ball lob….. Turns out you have hidden talents. Awesome shot!