Londolozi is synonymous with leopards, a safe haven where these elusive predators roam freely. For more than half a century, we have been continuously building and reinforcing this relationship with the leopards allowing them to know and trust our presence and no longer see the presence of a vehicle as a threat. This in turn allows us to have an insight into their secretive lifestyle without having our presence change their behaviour at all.
In recent months, we have been graced with sightings of over 30 distinct leopards- a figure that’s all the more remarkable considering it excludes the youthful cubs playing under the watchful eyes of their mothers. Figures are incomparable to any other leopard destination worldwide.
On a recent game drive with a group of kids, we were all eager to track and find a leopard. Now armed with a selection of 30 different ones to choose from, the name on everyone’s lips was the Flat Rock Male. Their fascination with this particular leopard set us on a mission, albeit a challenging one, to seek him out.
The Flat Rock Male Leopard on a territorial patrol.
A dominant male leopard over the majority of the north. He originally took over the 4:4 Male's territory when he died.
The challenge stems from the Flat Rock Male’s elusive nature. Sightings have grown sparse as he’s ventured into new territories—a testament to the ever-changing landscape of leopard territories. This shift, while a natural part of the leopard lifecycle, hints at the underlying dynamics of survival and adaptation of these animals.
The Dynamics of Change
Territorial shifts among leopards at Londolozi are not merely movements on a map; they are vital adaptations and mechanisms for survival. The return of the Tortoise Pan Male, along with the shifts in the territory of the Senegal Bush Male, as they both seek out a larger territory. To keep things interesting, the presence of two younger and semi-nomadic male leopards, the Xitsalala Male and the Kangela Male, competition for prime real estate begins to escalate.
While shifts are inevitable the dynamics of leopard territories are complex and multifaceted. It’s not just about one dominant male holding sway over a particular area; it’s a delicate balance of power, influenced by factors such as age, strength, availability of resources, and the presence of females. As younger males come of age and seek to establish their own territories, clashes and shifts in boundary lines are bound to occur.
The Flat Rock Male’s domain, once marked by the Sand and Manyelethi Rivers, has been a stage for dramatic leaps across sandbanks, showcasing the raw beauty and agility of these majestic creatures.
A Testament to Adaptation
Maintaining genetic diversity within a population is another crucial aspect of territorial shifts. At 11 years old, the Flat Rock Male’s journey speaks volumes about the need for genetic diversity and the natural cycles of life in the leopard population. His legacy, carried through by the lineage of leopards like the Plaque Rock Female, Nkuwa Female, and Finfoot Female, reflects a delicate balance between maintaining a stronghold over his territory and ensuring the proliferation of a healthy, genetically diverse next generation. Resulting in the Flat Rock Male naturally moving further afield to prevent him from mating with females whom he is likely to be related.
The Flat Rock Male in the presence of the Nhlanguleni and Nkoveni Females as they snarl and hiss at one another, vying for his attention. Both females went on to successfully raise the Nkuwa Female and Finfoot Female and Plaque Rock Females respectively.
Initially skittish she spent a lot of time in the Sand River, now relaxed she makes up the majority of leopard viewing west of camp.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
End of an Era
As the Flat Rock Male’s territory shifts beyond the bounds of Londolozi, sightings may indeed become rarer. Yet, his presence will continue to surprise us when least expected. This familial pattern will play out time and time again.
Reflecting on his journey from a young male seizing the opportunity to establish his territory, we’re reminded of how quickly the dynamics can change and shift. Just as he once stepped into his own, now we witness the closing chapter of his reign over Londolozi’s northern reaches, filled with uncertainty of just how many more times we may see him. Now as his reign over the northern reaches of Londolozi start to come to an end we can only embrace the sense of anticipation of how the shifts in territory will play out.
Who will rise to shape the future of Londolozi’s leopard population?
Now at 11 years old and heading toward the end of his reign, the question remains as to how the territories will shift and who will take over from the Flat Rock Male.
So heartbreaking the end of a era. I had a tear reading about the flat rock male. All I can wish for is a pleasant death and not starvation or ripped apart by other predators.
he is doing well at MalaMala. I think we have a few good years left with Flat Rock.
It is sad that we aren’t seeing as much of him anymore Tammy but as MJ says he is still doing well for now since his territory has shifted!
The Flatrockmale will certainly have some more good years , though maybe to the north of Londolozi.
The leopard sighting at Londolozi is indeed just amazing. When I last was there I saw 16 different leopards in 8 days. Fabulous! Nowhere else have I seen so many of my favourite animals and have been able to watch them so closely.
Yes I’m sure he still has some good years in him, Christa! That is an amazing record for your favourite animal 🙂 hope to see you back soon for another visit!
I guess like others in the past he’ll become more nomadic and will keep his distance from the younger up and coming males. I remember Camp Pan became quite arthritic in his later years and relied more on stealing kills from smaller female leopards rather than hunting himself. But like Flat Rock, his legacy lives on in Londolozi, having fathered Nhlanguleni’s mother amongst others.
I agree Suzanne, I’m sure he will follow a similar nomadic lifestyle eventually but his legacy will always be remembered.
I found the photo of the Flat Rock male walking away unutterably sad and wish him a natural ending.
Yes sadly, we are seeing less of him with his territory shift but I’m sure we will still have some unexpected sightings and can look forward to the new dynamics unfolding 🙂
Let’s hope he still has a few great years left, even if his territory shifts away from Londolozi. He is such a handsome leopard and has done well to father several cubs that made it to independence.
Agreed Chelsea, I’m sure we still see him from time to time over the next few years 🙂
Now I know I’m getting old as I remember when the Flat Rock male was new on Londolozi! I always thought he was a bit menacing looking, but now I think he just had a swagger about him that said ‘don’t mess with me.” I hope to see him again when I visit in September/October.
I’m sure you have some great memories of him Mary Beth and hopefully you will see him again on your next visit 🙂
He is still one of my favorites male leopards, although he is 11 years old now. He has given us many hours of wonderful foto’s and especially the foto of him jumping over the water. He has seired a few cubs and has just been the best male leopard ever to just sit and watch and follow around. May he always be welcome on Londolozi ground, even if it just so that we can see him one more time. So heartsore to think that his Era is running out quickly and I dearly wish for him to be at peace in his last days.
Such great memories you have of him Valmai! I’m sure he will still come back to Londolozi from time to time!
Kelsey, what a wonderful story about the Flat Rock Male and his territory and legacy. It will be very interesting to follow him into the sunset. He has left a magnificent legacy for Londolozi’s leopard population.
Thank you William, he is leaving an amazing story to share!
Having observed the Flat Rock male on each of my visits, it would be disappointing if he was forced to move further north, over the border. At 11 years old, it doesn’t seem that he’s aged out, considering there are females older than him who are thriving, save perhaps Mashaba who at 16 is not viewed as frequently, although she’s in great form. I’ve viewed Tortoise Pan and it would be exciting if he was able to secure a permanent territory, but hopefully not at the expense of Flat Rock. Another question aside from your report – why do most of the Londolozi female leopards tend to raise females rather than males? The exception seems to be Ximungwe. It seems that when a male/female cub is born, the male disappears early on. Just curious….
He is certainly still doing very well at his age Denise, and while I’m sure we will still see him from time to time it is par for the course that a male leopards territory will shift over the years. The Tortoise Pan male has established a permanent territory but majority of this is still beyond our boundaries so only time will tell how things might shift. As for your question on the sexes, nature has a way of balancing the sexes out and while there is more pressure from dominant male leopards on young males we have also seen the Three Rivers female raise the Nsuku male to independence in the last year.
Hi, the image of him walking away in the thick vegetation may lead to several feelings. Uncertainty but also new territory to explore… he didn’t seem to be that worn out as other leopards. He has always appeared as a mighty and successful male. The newcomers don’t look such a huge menace to me. Maybe in the future. I can’t forget the mythical Inyathini male killing the last litter of poor Mashaba female. Leopards females can thrive in older age, but also males.
Who knows what life keeps aside for him
Thank you for this beautiful blog, leopards are among the most interesting animals as far as behaviour is regarded and they also are incredibly beautiful and smart.
Thank you Francesca, the picture and the blog do stir some emotions as the leopards certainly keep us fascinated with their behaviour over the years and I look forward to seeing what becomes of his life ahead.
What an incredible journey for this leopard Great story.
It sure is! Thanks Scott
I really enjoyed our terrific sighting of Flat Rock in Aug 2019 sharing a meal (yes….really….peaceably sharing a meal!) with Nhlanguleni and her two subadults (at the time…and now called Nkuwa and Finfoot). He is a relaxed male and a good father. I wish him well in his journey!
Wow! Amazing to be there for that sighting Lisa – that is something really special.
I have another question. Where is the Nhlanguleni female. Haven’t heard about her for ages.
Funny you should ask Kirill, I saw her this morning on game drive scent marking and in search of her next meal. I’m sure there will be a full update on her soon 🙂
Thanks! I’m just a faraway reader. May have missed smth.
Wonderful post, and a beautiful tribute to the Flat Rock Male leopard, Kelsey. Long may he run, albeit, into the Londolozi sunset.
Thank you Paul
I have followed Flat Rock for many years. he is my second favorite male leopard on Londolozi (my first is Senegal Bush who will be 12 this fall). I hope to enjoy posts about both of them for at least a few more years. thank you for the wonderful update on the Flat Rock male.
Always a pleasure MJ. They are both great leopards and although aging still in great condition so I’m sure they will be around for a while 🙂
Hoping to see more and more of the Ntomi male and some little Ntomi’s 😉
Yes hopefully we will Anita!