Trying to maximize our time out in the bush on my guests’ last game drive, we set off into the wilderness at first light. We had planned to drive out into the southeastern parts of the reserve to see if we could come across the Ntsevu Pride again. The all-pervasive hum of nocturnal life still rippled through the cool, dense air. It’s a beautiful time to be out there.
The Ntsevu Pride had caught a zebra in the dense bushwillow thickets south of the Inyathini Riverbed, and we were eager to go and see them again. The previous day our time with them was cut slightly short after the heavens had opened up and conditions were becoming quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, I do not suit the pink pouch as well as rangers Reece Biehler and Pat Grealy do, and therefore avoiding it was to be done at all costs. Everyone on my vehicle agreed and we decided to call it a day and try again in the morning.
We were about halfway along our route to the lions when something in the dense guarri bushes off to my right had just caught my eye. It was still relatively dark and not easy to be 100% sure of what I saw. I quickly reversed the vehicle so that Tracker Terrence could shine his spotlight on it. It was a leopard!
The Three Rivers Female. A few moments later, lying a little further afield, we spotted the noble Maxims Male! What an incredible find. This instantly became one of those moments that holds true to the classic unpredictability of the bush. Around each corner, you never know what you’re going to find.
The Three Rivers female.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
The large Maxims Male.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
We knew that the Three Rivers Female had given birth over a month ago as she had been seen with quite prominent suckle marks. We could still see that she had a milk pouch, but unfortunately, the suckle marks looked to be very faint. We had a strong feeling that she’d lost yet another litter of cubs before we could get a view of them. Definite closure on this fact was that we witnessed the two leopards mating multiple times shortly after we found them that morning. Female leopards will fall into oestrus fairly quickly after losing their cubs. They will then seek out a male in the area with whom they can mate, to start the process all over again.
Although we were incredibly fortunate to witness these leopards mating, it does bring to light how low the survival rate of leopard cubs is. It was definitely a bittersweet moment for all of us and certainly one we won’t forget. After the Nkoveni Female was victorious in taking over a large portion of the Three Rivers Female’s territory, she has most likely had to adapt to a new area and possibly still settle into a groove.
The Maxims Male has a very substantial territory and is in his prime. There’s no doubt he does a good job at driving off other males from the area, who will be the biggest threat to the Three Rivers Female’s cubs. Having a male in place like the Maxims Male is half the battle won for a female leopard. Let’s hope that the Three Rivers Female has a bit more luck early next year with what will be her fourth litter.
How many litters do you think she’s had so far, Matt? Of course, she brought her male cub to independence – I haven’t heard much about him lately. When I was there in November Alfie said he’d become quite aggressive and unpredictable.
Also curious of the same!
Matt, thank you for the update on the Three Rivers Female and the loss of her cubs. Hopefully she will have success in the future.
Poor Three Rivers Female, she’s as lovely as unlucky! The Maxim male looks great too. I don’t remember all the pedigree of Londolozi s leopards, but she carries on the mother leopard line through her father. I remember the Ndzanzeni female does, via her mother, is there any news on her?
The Three River female has had a very troubled life. I hope she will be luckier in the near future
There is really very often a surprise behind every corner. What a nice one you had, though it’s as you said sad that theThree Rivers Female has obviously lost her cubs. Let’s hope that she will be more successful this time.
Hi Matt, so sad to hear that the Three Rivers female has lost her cubs again. Just goes to show that leopard cubs have a low rate to survival. I am pleased to hear though that she was seen mating with the majestic Maxim’s male. He is such a stunning leopard and huge in stature, so let’s hope she falls pregnant and has another litter of cubs. Hopefully she will be able to raise them to adulthood. Oh! but you are very wearie of the wet ground and getting stuck in the mud and having to wear the pink pouch. You made a good decision to leave your drive to the next day.
It’s a shame Three Rivers Female lost her cubs but exciting that you and your guests began the day witnessing her mating with the Maxim male! It’s so true that even having a plan at the beginning of a drive , the unpredictability of the bush can change it in an instant! Hopefully she’ll become pregnant and successfully raise another cub or two. Saying this, is the Three Rivers Male still around? It seems he should have been given a name by now.
Enjoyed your poking fun at Reece and Pat. Good luck to the Three Rivers female who definitely deserves it!
Thanks for the update Matt. It’s always hard to accept the losses to the female Leopards. Three Rivers has had a rough time lately especially after her near-death fight with Nkoveni…. Fingers crossed for another successful litter for her!