It’s often said that patience is rewarded in the bush and on this particular morning, that sentiment rang true as we spent two enthralling hours following the Xinzele Female. Having spent a solid 6/7 hours the day before looking for a leopard in the northern parts of Londolozi, it’s fair to say that our anticipation levels had dropped. Needless to say the eventual spotting of the Xinzele Female atop of a granite outcrop provided both a sigh of relief as well as an immediate injection of excitement!
Northern territory specialist born 2017. Successfully raised the Thumbela Female while establishing dominance in NW Marthly's dramatic lands
The Xinzele Female sits elegantly on a rock focussed on some distant impala.
The Beautiful Xinzele Female
The Xinzele Female has long been one of my favourite leopards to spend time with. An established and confident female in her prime. She holds territory in the northwestern reaches of Londolozi. Every sighting of her is special, but with the recent news that she has a litter of cubs, the anticipation of seeing her has only grown. While this particular morning held something different in store as opposed to seeing her cubs the team remain excited about the prospect of seeing her cubs again in the coming weeks!
Vantage Point
Having first spotted her perched atop Ximpalapala Koppie, a rocky outcrop in the northwestern part of the reserve, we had no idea of the incredible sighting that was about to unfold. Using her elevated vantage point she scanned the terrain ahead for any possible targets. It didn’t take her long to spot a small herd of impala a few hundred meters away. They were hugging the edge of a thicket line taking advantage of the cool morning temperature to feed on some of their surroundings.
The Xinzele Female looks out scanning from her raised vantage point.
The Hunt
What followed was an incredible insight into the mind of a leopard. Moving with intent she quickly descended the outcrop making a beeline for the distant impala. Weaving through thickets and open clearings alike, constantly scanning for any other possible opportunities we watched her slowly get closer and closer. For over an hour, we watched as she navigated the landscape, her movements both deliberate and effortless. Finally, at about 60 meters from the impala, you could see the sudden change in body language. Hugging the grass and any bit of cover she could find she started her stalk. What ensued was another 30 minutes of inch-by-inch progress. The patience shown by these animals in these situations will never cease to amaze me naturally this occasion was no different.
She had spotted some impalas. Stalking slowly on the hunt
The Outcome
Her approach was expertly done with the impala completely unsuspecting. Every step was calculated, each pause deliberate. And then as if a gunshot had gone off she charged towards her unsuspecting quarry. The impala scattered and for a brief second, it seemed as though she had succeeded. But in the dust and chaos, the ewe slipped free, bounding away to safety. A narrow miss… It was a stark reminder of the unforgiving reality leopards face. Ironically, for all their mastery leopards and lions both miss more than they succeed when it comes to hunting.
A scene similar to this, the impalas narrowly get away.
What’s Next
With that being said, for us, the sighting had been nothing short of spectacular. A rare and intimate glimpse into one of the many daily trials leopards face. With her recent litter still in mind, we were left hopeful that our next encounter might reveal more. The Xinzele Female is a leopard in her prime, and watching her in action is always a privilege. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we catch another glimpse of her cubs.
Irrespective of the conclusion, that sounds like a very exciting encounter! I’m happy to hear she’s doing well. I hope the same can be said for her cubs.
Thanks Chelsea
Hi Nick, she’s really very beautiful and harmonious. Her movements caught by shots show her agility and abilities. Her parents were such important leopards! I am so looking forward to seeing her cubs! Do you know how many, have you ever had news of them? And the Thumbela female? I hoped to get more updated on her, she was so lovely and playful, a happy heart. Every animal has its own personality as we have, and she was entertaining and adorable…
Hi Francesca,
She has 1 cub based on our more recent observations. There haven’t been many updates on the Thumbela female unfortunately.
Nice blog and photos of a particularly elusive leopard, Nic! Thanks!
Thank you Mary.
What a fantastic sighting for you and your guests, Nic. I haven’t managed to see her on my trips so far, but am keeping my fingers crossed for when I return in November – and maybe she’ll have some cubs with her!
Thanks Suzanne. Fingers crossed you manage to see her.
Nic, I’m thrilled to learn that Xinzele has had another litter of cubs and once again, fingers crossed she can raise at least one to adulthood. Thumbela seems to be doing well and so she’s proven she can successfully raise a cub. Watching leopards hunt can be an exhilarating or painful experience based on the outcome, but what is never in doubt is their determination to to take something down, as we watch their calculated moves so that their presence is not given away. Thanks for the follow-up on this beautiful female.
Thanks Denise.
Hi Nic, thanks for the update on the Xinzele female. It is a pity we did not get to see the cubs at all, but seeing her in all her glory is a magnificent privilege to see her hunt. Next time she will get that impala, then she will be able to feed and the cubs as well.
She’s a magnificent female. Thanks Valmai.
So exciting, to watch a leopard getting closer and closer to her prey. Bad luck for her that the Impala escaped.
What a spectacular treat for your guests.
Thanks Christa!
Great update and accompanying photos, Nic!
Appreciate it, thanks Paul.