There are countless spectacular moments one will encounter while out on a game drive, but hearing tracker Richard Zitha Mthabine exclaim Leopard! Leopard! Leopard! is certainly a moment that recently got our hearts racing.
We had been taking in the lush scenery on the banks of the Manyelthi River in the northern section of Londolozi and were likely at this point ambling along deep in conversation solving the world’s mysteries. As we turned the corner, Rich gesticulated his hand in excitement as he spotted a large male leopard. It is safe to see that we got just as much joy in seeing Rich’s reaction as we did in finding the leopard.
Based on where we were, the most likely male leopard that we would see here is the Flat Rock Male. However, with more time in the saddle here we can soon differentiate between the leopards by a simple quick glance. So as I laid eyes on this male I could quickly tell by his size and features that it was not the Flat Rock Male. I then considered the possibility of a younger male leopard, likely in the nomadic phase of early adulthood, as they are frequently popping up across the reserve. I snapped away eagerly with my camera as he was only just a few feet away from the vehicle and I was mindful that he might vanish amongst the wild date palms before I could determine who he was.
Lying only a few feet away from us as we turned the corner, I was able to get a clear shot of the 4 spot pattern above his whiskers on the right side and patiently waited for him to roll over to see the spot pattern on the left side to confirm who it was.
With a very relaxed demeanour, we quickly came to the conclusion that he was not a young nomadic male moving through. He was a large and impressive male, so we soaked up his presence as he comfortably rolled and stretched, my excitement started to build once again. The realisation then hit me – this was the Tortoise Pan Male and his distinctive 4:3 spot pattern left no room for doubt.
Yawning and prepping himself for a bout of activity.
This was the very first time I had ever seen this leopard, and after hearing a fair amount about him I had always wondered if I would ever see him. I could see the moment of pure nostalgia and recognition in Rich’s grin, as he had witnessed this leopard grow from a tiny cub into a young male that eventually dispersed, so to see him now as a fully mature dominant male was amazing.
We positioned ourselves in the Manyelthi Riverbed hoping that the Tortoise Pan Male would sit up and with him elevated above us on the back it really did make him look impressive. The intensity of his gaze and the scars around his nose highlight the wisdom and experience gained from his nomadic years.
Born in 2016, this male spent his early years in the south-east of Londolozi, but began moving further afield in late 2019.
So who is the Tortoise Pan Male?
Born in the winter of 2016, the Tortoise Pan Male claims his fame from currently being the only cub raised by the Ndzanzeni Female and is thus a direct descendant of the Mother Leopard lineage. While he spent his formative years around the iconic Python Rocks den site under the guidance of the Ndzanzeni Female.
If you look closely and compare the spot pattern just above the whiskers of this cub you will see that this is the Tortoise Pan Male at at just a few weeks old.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
Read James’s blog on an in-depth rundown of his entire journey, but during this time as a young patially independent young male leopard he was on numerous occasions seen in the company of his suspected father – the Inyathini Male. This led to what was considered as a longer than average time spent within his father’s territory, and in particular around Tortoise Pan – his namesake waterbody. It was only in late 2019, at almost three and a half years, that the Tortoise Pan Male moved into full independence and ventured further afield beyond the northern reaches of Londolozi.
An intimate moment between father and son, the Tortoise Pan Male as a cub jumps up to greet and play with the Inyathini Male.
Another leopard who originated in the Kruger National Park, he has established a large territory in the south eastern areas of Londolozi.
What might the future hold?
Now an impressive and established male leopard, the Tortoise Pan Male has subsequently been seen on three different occasions over the last month. During the first sighting, he set off on a territorial patrol, scent-marking along a few prominent game paths that were probably on the southern reaches of his territory. This area also overlaps with the territory of the Flat Rock Male. Could it be that now the Tortoise Pan Male is in his prime and is beginning to shift his territory south and applying pressure to the older Flat Rock Male?
Having such an impressive young leopard frequenting the northern parts of the reserve makes it an exhilarating excursion into the area as you don’t know what you are going to come across. How long will it be until the Flat Rock Male and Tortoise Pan Male have an altercation over this stretch of territory?
The simple fact that he is now pushing further into Londolozi and actively scent-marking and advertising that this patch of turf is his is a sure sign that the Tortoise Pan Male is here to stay and not afraid to challenge the Flat Rock Male.
I was able to get a second chance to immerse myself in the presence of the Tortoise Pan Male about a week later. This time feeding on an impala he had hoisted up into a russet bushwillow tree. While he was still fairly close to the northern boundary of Londolozi, this time he was much further east from my first sighting, indicating the extent of his overlap with the Flat Rock Male. Interestingly this area is also occupied by the Xinzele Female and with the Xinzele Young Female nearing independence, we can only hope this will draw the Tortoise Pan Male and the direct Mother Leopard lineage further south back onto Londolozi.
The Tortoise Pan Male eventually descended the russet bushwillow tree and lay up on a termite mound to digest his meal while facing into the afternoon golden light.
While there are many exciting prospects for the Tortoise Pan Male, his lineage and legacy are a reminder of the privilege we have to be in the presence of any leopard. The legacy of the leopards of Londolozi and our surroundings continue to represent the very essence of the untamed wilderness, while at the same time growing the depth of our knowledge and experiences with these magnificent animals touches something primal within us and aids in broader conservation efforts. Here is to many more sightings of this incredible male leopard and what the future holds for him.
I was thrilled to read your post Kelsey as it represents many firsts for me, and long-lasting memories. The firsts included: first visit to Londolozi(Nov 2018), first drive just after arrival, first leopard sighting (Ndzanzeni young male as he was known then), and first hippo sighting in the mud pan where the young male was resting. It wasn’t that I’d never seen hippos or leopards, but it was the first time I’d been so close. He was a strikingly large and handsome leopard then and has certainly grown into a stunning adult. The fact he’s in Flat Rock’s territory is a bit worrisome as I shudder to think of an altercation between the two. However I do like the thought of a liaison between Tortoise Pan and the Xinzele female as it is a union that could continue the legacy of the Mother Leopard. Thank you.
What special memories Denise, thanks for sharing them! Hopefully, there will just be a shift in territories without any serious altercation. Will keep you updated 🙂
I remember from the WE show he used to meet and mate with Xinzele female about a couple of years ago. Yet another suspected father of her cub is the Flat Rock male. So I hope both males might think the cub is theirs? or the TP might want a portion of this land for himself and Xinzele? Could he try to protect the cub? Hope it will not put the cub in danger… So many questions indeed… He used to have cubs with Tiyani from Arathusa as well, their daughter Laluka is independent now. Thank you for the update, exciting reading.
I’m glad you enjoyed the update Kirill. Plenty of questions to be answered in the coming months 🙂
He’s grown into such a handsome adult leopard. I’m glad to see his return to Londolozi as I’ve been watching his story unfold on the blog for many years. Let’s hope he sires cubs with the Xinzele female!
I agree Chelsea 🙂 hopefully we will have another update soon enough!
What a beautiful looking leopard!
He sure is Sandra 🙂
Wow, Kelsey, what exciting good news that the Tortoise Pan Male is back.
I saw him as a very young leopard.
Let’s hope that he will be able to establish a territory of his own without too much fighting.
The history of all those leopards of Londolozi is always fun of surprises and so amazing.
Thanks Christa, very exciting to have him back on Londolozi and hopefully we will be seeing more of him in future!
Thank you so much for this blog, Kelsey and I’m also thrilled to bits. I first saw him as a young cub then again the next year and the one after. I really hope he stays around – I’m back next month and would love to see him again.
Pleasure Suzanne! I hope you will get to see him again on your next visit 🙂
Kelsey this is fantastic that the Tortoise Pan Male is back on Londolozi ground. He is such a stunning leopard and off course his lineage from his mother , which is the Mother Leopard of Londolozi is so precious and exciting to have him back on Londolozi. Let’s hope he is here to stay and that there won’t be any fights about territory. We don’t want any leopard getting hurt, but rather having them tolerate each other, if that is ever possible in the animal world. Beautiful images you showed us of him and that Mark on his nose makes it even easier to identify him with his 4:3 dots on besides his whiskers.
I’m glad you enjoyed the update Valmai! Hopefully we will be seeing more of him going forward 🙂
Hi Kirst, I started to follow the troubled up and downs vicissitudes of the leopards of South Africa then found out about Varty and Mhlongo and the Mother Leopard ‘s legacy. It was one of the most touching and interesting documentary that contributed to the relationship between humans and wild animals. Furthermore, I find him really beautiful as the Ndzanzeni female is and the Inhyatini male is a real legend! He is a survivor against all odds! So this Leopard is special in particular and I hope you will be able to follow his next move and, hopefully, his progeny
Great to hear you have been following the leopard legacies so closely Francesca! He is a beautiful leopard and we will be sure to keep you updated on his next move!
I am new to tracking leopards in Londolozi. Can anyone tell me what the leopard’s markings mean? For example, Tortoise Pan 4:3 👈 Male.
Hi Jay, of course. The 4:3 refers to the spot pattern above the whisker line on either side of a leopard’s cheeks. A leopards name will then include the number of spots on the left and right cheek separated by a colon to differentiate them.
It will fascinating to see the dynamics of this “return of the native “
It certainly will Ian! Will be sure to keep you updated on the blog!
Oh, no! You can have him all to yourself! We love to see him on the Wildearth show! He is always fun to see!
He hasn’t moved too far south yet so I’m sure you will still be seeing him on Wildearth from time to time!
So exciting to see him back! We last saw him in 2018, his mother in a tree with a kill and he baring his teeth at a hyena lurking below. Near sunset, climbed into a nearby marula making for some great photos as he faced the setting sun. So memorable! He’s grown into an impressive male!
Wow, that is a phenomenal sighting Mary Beth! Hopefully we will be seeing more of him in future 🙂
Great post Kelsey, and it will be exciting to hear how everything evolves going forward for this beautiful leopard!!
Thank you Paul! Hopefully there will be another update soon!
Kelsey, Thanks for an update on this handsome Leopard. We were lucky to see him as a cub and are thrilled to think that he may be staying around!~ Might be interesting when he runs into Flat Rock!
My pleasure Michael & Terri! It was amazing to to see him for the first time and hopefully he will be stick around!