As I reflect on the past six weeks of being at work’s wildlife sightings, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of fondness for the memories created and the remarkable wildlife encounters we’ve been fortunate enough to witness. However, amidst the excitement, there’s one notable absence: the Nhlanguleni Female leopard, has not been viewed nearly as much as we are used to.
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.
Born in 2011, the Nhlanguleni Female is reaching the tail end of her prime. While she hasn’t been the most successful at raising cubs, having only raised one litter to independence in early 2018, her legacy lives on through her two daughters, the Nkuwa Female still viewable on Londolozi and the Finfoot Female who moved further south after independence.
The Nkuwa and Finfoot females, the last and only successfully raised litter by the Nlanguleni female.
One of two sisters born to the Nhlanguleni Female, both of whom made it to independence, the first intact litter to do so in 7 years.
A daughter of the Nhlanguleni female, born into a litter of two, both of which survived to independence.
Her territory along the Sand River to the west of our camps provides an ideal habitat for leopards, allowing them to exhibit their elusive behaviour. Over the years, we’ve been blessed with incredible sightings of her. Yet recently, her appearances have become sporadic. Although she has been known to do this before; during the global pandemic lockdown in 2020, she surprised us after an extended absence by appearing with two cubs, despite us being unaware of her pregnancy. Sadly, neither cub survived.
The Nhlanguleni Female and one of the cubs that she had in the global pandemic.
The question of why we haven’t been seeing her as frequently remains a mystery. On the few occasions we have spotted her, she’s been venturing farther west than usual, even crossing into our neighbouring property. While it’s unlikely that younger females are pushing her out of her territory, she may be exploring new areas or seeking mates.
If anything she is venturing more into the territory of her daughter the Nkuwa Female who is territorial further west along the Sand River. If she is seeking out a mate, the shortness of typical mating periods suggests this might not be the case.
Given her territory’s location along the river, it’s plausible that she’s favouring the dense vegetation there, this suits a stealthy yet ageing leopardess. However, her elusive behaviour doesn’t surprise us ahead of her likely having another litter of cubs.
The speculation continues, with the possibility of her quietly raising cubs once again, unbeknownst to us—a scenario that would be a delightful surprise. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the whereabouts of the Nhlanguleni Female. As we all know, the bush ebbs and flows, and I remain hopeful that her appearances will become more frequent once again.
Thanks so much for this update Ross. Nhlanguleni is an amazing leopard in spite of only raising two cubs to adulthood, both of which are thriving. It would be surprising if she did raise another cub or cubs to adulthood, but as we know, the bush can hold many mysteries. I hope there’s a sighting of her sometime soon.
Oh. I was asking recently. Thaks for the infomation on this stunning leopardess.
Thanks Ross for the update. It is always interesting to speculate about the whereabouts and health of any animal not seen for a while and always exciting when they are rediscovered.
Those lovely leopardesses seem to be carrying a lot of strength inside, especially at an older age. They greatly rise their last cubs to independence. I wish her a successful life no matter what happens
Thanks for this news about the Nhlanguleni female, Ross. I do hope that this beautiful leopardess is still in the area and still fine. I saw her last year on the very sad occasion when she had just lost one of her cubs and a few days later we had a wonderful sighting of her and her remaining cub that also vanished only one or two days later.
It would be great to hear some good news of her.
Ross could it be too crowded where she used to have territory. With all the new cubs surely territory is getting less and less, and having to give up some of her territory to her own female cubs. She is a beautiful leopardess and hope she does not cross over to Kruger. Maybe, just maybe she does have new cubs that she is keeping protected. Won’t that be wonderful.
Oh no, Ross! One special leopard to me. I do hope she’s safe and keeping well wherever she may be.
Thank for this update on the Nhlanguleni female Ross! I Really hopes she resurfaces, surprising us all, with new cubs! In any event, wishing her the very best in these twilight years!
I count myself as a very lucky person to have seen Nhlanguleni with her two subadult daughters, Nkuwa and Finfoot, in Aug 2019 and WITH their father Flat Rock all together on a carcass! It was an amazing sighting and cemented my adoration for all 4 of these cats! Hopefully Nhlanguleni is safe and healthy!