I will never forget the feeling I got when I saw my first leopard.
We were on a family holiday in the Kruger National Park and on our last game drive, we were struck with pure luck, with a fleeting glimpse of a female leopard as she briefly darted across the road in front of us. I remember admiring how beautiful she was, her long white-tipped tail, elegant whiskers and neat spots and rosettes dotted around her body. Everything perfectly put together.
Since working at Londolozi I have been lucky enough to see numerous leopards and for periods longer than just 10 seconds! Each sighting is unique and as much as I will always admire and respect female leopards, there is a certain appeal about seeing a male leopard. I don’t know whether it’s the sheer size and strength of the animal or the scars on their face and nicks in their ears that all tell a story, but these sightings never cease to take my breath away.
Due to the fact that the Senegal Bush Male holds territory on central Londolozi, not too far away from camp, we tend to see him more often than other males. He has been successful thus far in establishing himself in a productive area when it comes to prey species availability as well as females to mate with and pass on his genes.
After being with a set of guests for five nights, and having a few spectacular sightings of female leopards on the reserve, we decided to dedicate our last three drives to trying to find a male leopard. More specifically the Senegal Bush male, whose territory lies on central Londolozi. We had no luck for the first two drives, but it was the last drive that it all came together – patience ultimately does pay off!
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
It was only about 5 minutes out of Camp that we turned off the engine to watch the sunrise, the last sunrise of the guests’ safari. We were interrupted by a herd of impalas alarm calling frantically just around the corner. We wasted no time in finding the herd of impala, and much to our delight they were alarm calling at the very leopard we had been looking for, the Senegal Bush Male – success!
Most of the time when a leopard has been seen by other animals they tend to move off and try avoid having too much attention drawn in their direction. But on this occasion, the male seemed not to bother. After watching his behaviour for another few minutes it became clear why. There had clearly been another male leopard in his territory and he was trying to track this male down while marking his territory in the process.
One male leopard’s territory may include two or (usually) more female territories within it, but it won’t overlap with another male’s. The Senegal Bush Male wasn’t happy with the fact that another male had been roaming within his domain. By constantly scent marking and vocalising he was attempting to reinforce his dominance and send a message to the ‘intruder,’ that this turf belongs to him.
These are rough estimates of the territories based on where each male has been seen. Naturally, these boundaries will shift over time as younger males look to establish themselves in a territory and older males lean more towards a nomadic life.
The sighting in its entirety was astonishing to witness, from him vocalising, to a herd of impalas (200 strong) all alarm calling at him – to him walking right past our vehicle completely unperturbed by our presence. The main thing that stood out for me however, was his ability to track another leopard that had walked in the area prior to him arriving. We could literally see him following another male leopard’s tracks, keeping his nose close to the ground and smelling where it had walked.
Having a wild leopard walk past your vehicle just metres away is an amazing experience that is bound to take your breath away.
Once he got to the eastern edge of his territory his behaviour changed, knowing that the intruder had left the area. He scent marked a few more times along his boundary, had a drink of water, to quench his thirst after a long morning of scent marking, he was probably slightly dehydrated. He then settled up in a comfy spot in the shade of a Jackalberry tree.
For those interested, the other male in question was most likely the Maxim’s male. We aren’t exactly sure of his age but he is a large, fairly skittish male who has been seen further and further west than previously recorded, in areas within the Senegal Bush Male’s territory. Leopard dynamics naturally change over time, but at the moment we are noticing an apparent state of flux, more specifically within the male leopard’s dynamics.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
There is still a lot that isn’t known about the Maxim’s Male, for example exactly how old he is and where he came from. He is slowly starting to become more relaxed around vehicles and so hopefully in the coming months we can keep a close eye on his behaviour.
It will be interesting to see how this specific saga plays out. Will the Senegal Bush Male concede a portion of territory to the younger, bigger Maxim’s Male in order to avoid conflict? Or will he confront the intruder and attempt to drive him out.
Watch this space…
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Robert, what a great outing finding and then following the leopard you wanted to see. Fascinating, thanks.
You’re welcome, William.
Lovely, thank you!
You’re welcome, Irene!
The shape of Maxim Male’s head seems different? Or maybe just that photo…longer snout? In any case, very handsome boy!
He does have a broader face and slightly longer snout relative to the Senegal Bush Male, that’s a great observation!
Good story Robert! The Senegal Bush male is certainly a force to be reckoned with, partly due to his size and experience. He was the first leopard I viewed last year, patrolling near Tortoise Pan. He passed by our vehicle, close enough for me to touch, but I was content to look into his deep, greenish-gold eyes. It was a moment not to forget!! Hopefully I’ll see him again ext year!!
An unforgettable moment indeed! I hope so too for your sake.
There are never enough leopards in the world, whether cubs, females or males! Thank you! Victoria
Never enough! You’re welcome, Victoria.
I know you call him Senegal Bush Male, but for me, since 2013 he was Kunyuma. Mother: Karula Father: Mvula Born: Nov 2012 Spot Pattern: 2:3 Littermate Quarantine Male made his territory in the MalaMala/Londolozi area. He was a spunky leopard, with his growls and giving the vehicles snarls where as Quarantin Male was more laid back. Enjoyed watching him when he was a youngster. He is a formidable looking Leopard now, for sure!
He has relaxed considerably indeed and only on the rare occasion does he snarl at a vehicle, reminding us who’s boss.
We tracked the Senegal Bush male all over for about 2 hours one afternoon. We finally stopped and rested with our sundowner. Who comes marching down the dirt road? Our friend. He is magnificent!
Sometimes you have to let the animals come to you. What a great story Vin, Thank you.
Interesting, the dynamics of the leopards’ keeping territories.
Interesting indeed.
Hi Robert, I understand you so well! My dream would be to see the two sisters together, but I understand that male leopards are really impressive and second to none. The history of the Inyathini male is a supreme proof of resilience. The Mashaba female is still my favourite one if I had to choose but they are all wonderful!
The Mashaba female is another great story of resilience indeed!
Robert the Maxim male is such a large male, stunning. The Senegal bush male is one of my favorites. With so many male leopards on Londolozi it must be an experience to just see one of them, let alone more.
You’re correct, Valmai. They are all unique and beautiful in their own right.
Hi Robbie! Am wondering if you all have seen the Mashaba Female at all recently? I know she was seen further south but haven’t seen anything from Londolozi on her in awhile. It’s a shame she hasn’t been able to raise any further cubs after the Ximungwe Female, although both the Ximungwe Female and the Nkoveni Female are proving to be fantastic mothers themselves to continue the lineage!
Hi Michael, the answer is yes. It seems as though she has shifted her territory southwards and she has been seen in good health (and potentially with a new litter of cub(s)! We will be sure to keep you updated.
Robert, Sounds like the third time was a charm! Leopard dynamics are unpredictable and exciting to follow! Thanks for the updated map. It’s amazing to see that the entire Londolozi map is covered by leopards!
Third time lucky indeed!
Love your story Robert, and the photos are wonderful! I can’t imagine what it is like to have a leopard walk right beside me like that. One day!
It truly is a remarkable experience.
Really interesting to follow the dynamics that are playing out between the Senegal bush male and the Maxims male Robert. Look forward to your next update on them !
Senegal Bush Male (Kunyuma to us WildEarth addicts!) is looking great and doesn’t seem nearly as skittish or grumpy as he has in the past! We saw him in August 2019 just as he was pushing into Londolozi and he really wasn’t pleased to be on view! Glad to see that he has settled down!
He has relaxed significantly since his first arrival on Londolozi, which is fantastic!