Some of the best leopard habitat in the entire region falls either side of the mighty Sand River. A river which runs through the heart of Londolozi and allows us to view the huge territorial males that claim it as their own. For years the Camp Pan male held territory on the banks of the river until he slowly but surely was pressured south by another major presence in the area, the Marthly male. I assume this has been the cycle for hundreds of years, only now it has a new driving force.
The Marthly male surveys an open clearing in what used to be the heart of his territory.
Not too long ago he was seen on Londolozi for the first time. The Gowrie male, a younger, more powerful male with a desire to acquire new land. His striking orange eyes an unmistakable characteristic. He originally crept in from the north eastern corner of Londolozi and has been extending his territory deeper in visit by visit. The pressure has been building and the effects are noticeable.
A massive male by any standards, the Marthly male last summer.
The Marthly male is being seen infrequently north of the river and more and more regularly in areas south of what was traditionally his territory. This is applying even more pressure on the aging Camp Pan male as his territory continues to shrink. The shift is not only being noticed by the rangers and trackers but it seems the female leopards are also showing interest in the changes. The Tamboti female more so than the others. She was recently seen mating with the Marthly male. This took place far north of her territory, is she anticipating that his territory will continue to shift south, enveloping hers, and is seeking protection for her future cubs by mating with him?
The very first time I saw the Gowrie male.
The outcome is still unknown but a shift is in full swing. The Gowrie male seems to be gaining momentum. Seeing him patrol parallel to the river on the northern bank and meticulously mark his territory is becoming a common sight. Within the last few weeks he has also mated with both the Tutlwa and Nanga female. The day, I believe, is fast approaching that he is seen discovering land south of the river and his quest continues as he eases into his prime.
The potential of new cubs in a few months from the Tutlwa female as the Gowrie male’s territory slowly overlaps more with her’s.
Eyes unique to the impressive Gowrie male.
How soon do you believe we’ll see the Gowrie male south of the river?
Written and Photographed by Simon Smit
He’s a really beautiful Leopard Simon, and such incredible eyes! I really love the Marthly male and the Camp Pan Leopards though, so I hope they are still at Londolozi for some time to come yet.
I think it a fair bet that we will see him south of the river in short order. He is primed to drift further into held territory, and unless a fierce challenge is mounted, he will claim whatever he chooses. What a fellow he is! I’m just in heaven what with the new leopard dynamic taking hold here. See all of you shortly!
Interesting shift in the leopard dynamics. I agree with Jill, still love Camp Pan.
How much does the Marthly male weigh?
The last shot really shows the striking orange eyes of the Gowrie male (one of my favorites). I am hoping we see some orange eyed cubs soon!
I never really thought about it, but there does seem to be this tremendous territorial push from north to south with these strong male leopards. Why is that? Desire for territory along the Sand River? There’s even a couple of guys to the north of Gowrie male trying to pressure him (Tingana and possibly Anderson male– the latter is son of the old, enormous Emswagen male). In 3 or 4 years will they all end up acquiring territory on Londolozi? What will the younger males like Vomba Young Male, Nanga Young Male or even Tu Tones or Makothini have to say about this? Camp Pan and Marthly Male are not getting any younger. Could be very interesting in the next couple of years.