Leopards are elusive by nature, but none more so than the Maxim’s Male. Though we rarely see him, his tracks are becoming more frequent in the central parts of Londolozi south of the Sand River. These tracks, significantly larger than any other leopard’s, male or female, are unmistakably his. Recently, his presence has been noted as far west as our western boundary. So, what does this mean for the other leopards in these areas?
![Maxim's Male Standing In Clearing [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26091150/Maxims-male-standing-in-clearing-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
When we get the chance to see the Maxim’s Male in the open his impressive size is evident.
Why is he so Elusive?
The habituation process for leopards at Londolozi, passed down since the late 70’s by John Varty and Elmon Mhlongo, has ensured that these big cats are comfortable around vehicles. However, habituation does not mean taming. The leopards remain wild, simply continuing their day as if we weren’t there. The Maxim’s Male, born in the Kruger National Park away from any vehicles, moved west into the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve upon becoming independent. This lack of early habituation means he often runs and hides from vehicles, although he is gradually becoming more comfortable, especially when with other leopards or near a carcass in a tree.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
His Existing Territory
In early 2021, we began to see glimpses of him around our eastern boundary. By late 2022, sightings had become more frequent. Until the beginning of 2024, he was mostly seen in the southeastern stretches of the reserve, while reports from our eastern neighbours confirmed his presence on the eastern bank of the Sand River. Holding a territory along the river is prime real estate, given the higher density of leopards, especially females to mate with, compared to more open areas.
Where is he expanding his territory to?
The Sand River, running west to east in front of Londolozi’s Camps before turning south, forms a natural boundary with our eastern neighbours. The west-to-east section has been part of the Senegal Bush Male’s territory for the last few years. However, recent sightings of the Maxim’s Male on our western boundary along the southern bank suggest that he has pushed the Senegal Bush Male further west.
The Senegal Bush male has now been pushed further west along the Sand River.
What impact will this have?
A new male moving into established leopard territories can have significant impacts. Recently, the Maxim’s Male was seen chasing the nearly independent male sub-adult of the Nkuwa Female up a tree. If this young male were younger, the encounter might have ended fatally. The Nkuwa Female and other females in the area will now need to mate with the Maxim’s Male to secure the safety of their future litters.
When the Maxim’s Male is mating he is mostly more relaxed and easier to view.
Expanding his territory also risks leaving parts of it unguarded. However, given his dominance and size, the Maxim’s Male is likely to maintain control over this large area along the Sand River for the coming years.
He’s superb. Do you know the largest area recorded for a male leopard? He may beat a record at Londolozi, coming from far away…
The expansion of the Maxim’s Male territory in Londolozi is such an incredible story that really highlights how impressive wildlife can be. This leopard, with his massive size and elusive nature, seems to be claiming more and more space, pushing out other males like the Senegal Bush Male. It feels like we’re witnessing a live, epic competition for territorial dominance.
What strikes me most is how the Maxim’s Male has managed to achieve all this while remaining so elusive. I can only imagine how thrilling it must be for those who have seen him in person—a truly unique experience. At the same time, I wonder how this shift will affect the other leopards in the area, especially the females. It’s like watching a nature soap opera, full of drama and power struggles, but with an air of mystery that leaves us wanting to know more.
Thank you, Barry, for narrating and sharing this fascinating story to us. It’s a privilege to follow these special moments through your words and photos. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds in the coming years!
He is an impressive beast, perhaps even more so by being so elusive and ‘mysterious.’ But I hope he doesn’t chase the Senegal Bush male too far! Thanks for the update.
Thanks, Barry, for this update on the Maxim’s male. It will be very interesting to follow the development of his territory and maybe see him mating with one of the females.
Barry he surely is a huge leopard and a stunning one at that. Imagine the cubs that he will sire with the females he will mate with. Know he is pushing the Senegal bush male further away, so that he can take territory there. Beautiful specimen.
Impressive leopard, thanks for the great pictures Barry.
Given the size of the Maxim’s male, it’s no wonder that other males have taken notice of his shifting territory boundaries and moved further north and west. I had always believed Senegal Bush male was the largest leopard within Londolozi, until I saw your image of Maxim’s after mating, noting the substantial size difference between him and the female. No wonder Nsuku, his presumed offspring is so large at just 3 years old.
Given the number of young males that have achieved independence in the past 18 months, it will be interesting to see if any of them can secure some territory going forward. Looking forward to more updates.
Btw, any sightings of Mashaba?
Thanks for the update, Barry. He certainly is very imposing and impressive – I can vouch for that, having seen him for the 2nd time late last year. The 1st time was a brief glimpse, but this time he stopped for long enough for us to admire him properly.
Do you think he’s larger than Nweti?
I’ve not seen either leopard in person, but how would he compare size wise to the late Anderson male? I seem to remember he was a huge cat.
The Maxim’s male is truly impressive, as evidenced by the Senegal Bush male relinquishing territory, at least for now. It will be interesting to hear of updates as he asserts his dominance.