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James Tyrrell

Alumni

James had hardly touched a camera when he came to Londolozi, but his writing skills that complemented his Honours degree in Zoology meant that he was quickly snapped up by the Londolozi blog team. An environment rich in photographers helped him develop the ...

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25 Comments

on Virtual Safari: The Week in Video #48

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Loved the videos this week.

Beautiful morning for viewing and great information given by James.

Thanks for the kind words William

Thanks James, really interesting. Given the area where you were tracking the mating pair of leopards, what’s your guess as to which ones they were?

Hi Suzanne, we think almost certainly the Plaque Rock female. At first we figured it was probably Flat Rock male but PR female has since been seen mating with the Maxims male in that area so it may well have been him.

Thank you – so if/when she has cubs, they’ll be the great-great-grandcubs of Vomba!?

Exactly!

So, those Avoca males in the north, have they any chance to meet up and mate with the Ntsevu pride? I believe the subadults have split from the main pride, which could give the roving males an opportunity to form their own pride….. just thinking about the future. Nice footage of the cheetah, yet it’s too bad he lost his meal. Thank you for the weekly video!

Hi Denise, I believe at least one of the Ntsevu females has been seen mating with one of the Avoca males on Mala Mala, but that was a few weeks ago. Not sure what’s happened between them since then.

James, The slow-motion Leopard videos are just fantastic! Those tight shots are really incredible and it’s great to see the Flat Rock male looking so strong and in his prime!

Great çatch up this week as have missed a few daily drives. The flat rock male is just so handsome! I’m fascinated by the leopard walk..so incredibly precise and almost seems they have been practicing for the ‘cat walk’..excuse the pun… but it’s perfectly executed.👌🏻💕I’m not surprised we see so few cheetah when the odds are against them so. Still what a great encounter on a morning drive. Super James thanks you !

A wonderful video again. I love all of it

A nice virtual safari James. Interesting info on tracking – thank you. Some nice looking cats also, felt sorry for the cheetah, however he lives to hunt again. That male ellie was huge. Thanks for taking us along with you. Be well and stay safe.

Hi James, I’m writing to you from France where we live and man are we missing Kruger! Your videos are giving us immense pleasure and we are learning so much. I first visited Kruger in the early 1970s (I was born in Joburg in 62) and my wife and daughter first shared the joys of the park in 1995. We have been back almost every year . Love Biyamiti in particular, and Buhala Lodge. Dream is to stay with you. Leopards is our best, as South African say!
Your comments on the fact leopards in Londolozi don’t have to cover much ground were fascinating. I think it would be worth commenting on the dangers of getting out of your vehicle. In the greater Kruger Park it’s illegal as you know and I think you should warn viewers that this is not something to try “at home”. Congratulations on your amazing videos, it’s keeping me sane during these depressing times. Chris

Thanks very much for the comments Chris.
100% agree with the don’t-try-this-at-home approach. We get a number of questions about it and will definitely put out a piece pertaining to walking in the bush specifically.
Hopefully we see you at Londolozi one day soon!
Best regards

Excellent virtual safari!

Another fascinating week! Gorgeous leopards, majestic elephant, and a two lion. Not to mention the informative and educational narrative, especially pertinent on Valentine’s Day…..LOL! All be well.

i had a great morning, cold and pouring cold rain , on safariwith you!! Victoria

James you gave so much information about the leopards, thanks for that. My most favourite cat is the leopard and they are so beautiful. The slow motion video of the leopard walking is so special, you really go out of your way to make the video’s interesting. The two Avoca lions are in such a good condition as are all the leopards and all the animals. The insight on the elephant in musth was also interesting for me. The Flat rock male is my special male leopard, thanks for showing him. James good video and commentary, your the best.

Digital Ranger

Great like always, and just learned the fact of Hukumuri’death, hope all big cats in Londolozi stay safe

The Flat Rock male is so beautiful. I love to see what he is up to.

I do so enjoy these virtual tours. Please keep them coming. Hearing all the bird song and animal sounds with the visual is magical and lifts my day. So thank you.

Terrific videos this week James. I have a question about my beloved cheetah. You mentioned that Londolozi is a difficult place for cheetah due to the fact that there is a high concentration of predators higher up the chain that not only compete for the same prey, but will steal the spoils of the cheetah hunt. You also mentioned that they move through fairly quickly due to this. My question is, where do they go, and what types of environments are best for them to thrive? Thanks, and keep the great work coming!

Hi Paul,
It was more specifically that particular area they move through quickly. They invariably move until they find an area in which they’re not being harassed as much, which at Londolozi generally means the grasslands in the SW. Males are more territorial than females and will set up shop in an area (adult males, that is) whereas females are more vagrant and might not stay for too long…

So fascinating how they move and find areas more conducive to survival in all it’s various aspects. Thanks James!

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