Few experiences in the bush are more rewarding than following the life of a leopard from birth to independence, especially when you’ve had the privilege of witnessing it from the very beginning. I remember clearly when the Xinkhova Female was first discovered as a small cub near the Sand River. At the time, I was at Londolozi, and over the years I’ve followed her closely: from her early days learning to stalk and climb, through her adolescence, and now as a confident young female establishing herself in the leopard hierarchy.
The Nkoveni Female and her two daughters, the Xinkhova Female and the Stone Drift Female.
Born 2021, daughter of Nkoveni. Young dynamo actively claiming territory near camps, showing promise as next generation's dominant female.
Born 2021, larger daughter of Nkoveni. Successfully established territory in Mala Mala and now raising her first litter east of Londolozi.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
At just over four years old, the Xinkhova Female appears to be entering a new phase in her life—one that may soon include motherhood.
Subtle Shifts in Behaviour
Female leopards often give birth to their first litters between the ages of three and four. The Xinkhova Female’s sister, the Stone Drift 3:2 Female, is currently raising her first litter, and recent observations suggest that the Xinkhova Female could be following suit. Rangers and trackers have noted a fuller belly, more secretive movement patterns, and an increased use of dense, concealed areas—behaviour that may point to pregnancy or early den preparation.
![Xhinkova Stonedrift Female Portrait In Marula [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23162830/Xhinkova-Stonedrift-female-portrait-in-marula-RCB-1598x1249.jpg)
The Xinkhova Female’s sister the Stone Drift Female has already had her first litter of cubs, however, is seldom seen on Londolozi anymore.
Filling a Natural Gap
Part of the area that the Xinkhova Female now frequents was previously occupied by the Plaque Rock Female, who died last year during an encounter with lions. Her absence created an opening in the territorial landscape, and it appears the Xinkhova Female has taken advantage of the opportunity, gradually moving into and beyond that space.
Territorial changes like this are a normal part of leopard dynamics. As older individuals disappear, younger leopards assess, test, and eventually claim space for themselves. The Xinkhova Female’s recent activity strongly indicates she is now in that phase—consolidating a territory that could support her if she is preparing to raise cubs.
Sunsetbend Lineage Carries On
The Xinkhova Female belongs to the well-established Sunsetbend lineage. She is the daughter of the Nkoveni Female and the granddaughter of the Mashaba Female—both well-known and successful leopards in their own right. This lineage has produced multiple independent females over the years, many of whom have gone on to establish territories across the reserve.
Only time will tell if the Xinkhova Female has more success than her late older sister, the Plaque Rock Female, at continuing the sunsetbend lineage.
If she is pregnant, her cubs would represent the next generation in a lineage that has already had a significant influence on the leopard population at Londolozi. Watching how these traits and territories continue through the generations provides insight into how leopards adapt and survive in a competitive environment.
The Question of Paternity
While the signs of pregnancy are promising, the identity of a potential father remains unknown. One possibility is the Flat Rock Male, whose territory lies north of the Sand River and overlaps with areas the Xinkhova Female has occasionally visited. However, no mating between the two was ever observed.
The Flat Rock Male is mostly seen on the northern bank of the Sand River east of our camps, and could be the male that has mated with the Xinkhova Female.
Born 2013 Kruger, seized prime territory at young age. Strategic dominance led to successful lineage before current eastward shift.
A more likely candidate is a younger nomadic male, the Xitsalala Male, who was seen with the Xinkhova Female several months ago. These roaming males don’t hold defined territories but can still mate when the opportunity arises. If he is the father, this would bring new genetic variation into the area—something that plays an important role in long-term population health.
Born 2019 in Ngala, ventured far south. Young nomad showing adaptability and patience while seeking territory amid northern dynamics.
Looking Ahead
Watching the Xinkhova Female reach this point in her life has been both rewarding and fascinating. From her earliest days as a cub hidden near the riverbank to her recent confident movements into new areas, she’s navigated a complex and changing environment with growing assurance.
The Xinkhova Female has setup her territory around camp and has a bright future ahead of her.
If she is pregnant, the coming weeks could reveal the start of an exciting new stage in her journey. Either way, her behaviour and recent territorial movements suggest she is now firmly established as a mature, independent female.
Her story continues to unfold, and with it, the Sunsetbend lineage moves forward once again.
Hi Barry, I think this is the most interesting part, to follow the steps of leopards through their lives since their births and see the development of lines and peculiar behaviour. I will always remember the two sisters, it was one of the most joyful sights, to be able to follow them together for such a long time, interacting with each other and sharing food. They have the beautiful eyes of their mother, and the golden coat of the line. I saw the Stone Drift female had lost a cub, I suppose she should have one now. She is a very peculiar leopard, approaching elephants and rhino like the Tsalala female! I find her funny and curious. They are both beautiful successes of mother nature, mother Nkoveni…
Hi Barry, nice to read another blog by you. The photos show the stunning beauty of all these leopards. I also love following these leopards paths through their exciting lives. I saw the Xinkhove Female together with her mother and sister when she was a tiny baby, playing with mother and sister in a drainage line. So good that both cubs have become wonderful fully grown leopards and now mothers or mother-to be. I am looking forward to hearing more about her and hopefully her first litter soon.
Thank you Barry. She is the great granddaughter of the 1st wild leopard I ever saw (Vomba) and I’ve been lucky enough to have had amazing sightings of her since she was a cub. I saw her mating with the Xitsalala male last November. I only hope she can avoid the lions!
Thanks for this update on the Xinkhova female. It’s great that she seems to be staying around her natal home but even more exciting is the possibility she’s pregnant. It would be ironic if the father of her cubs is the same as her sister’s. I’m not sure who else is is available to father cubs close to Londolozi besides the Flat Rick male, but he does have good genes.
Even better news is that both of these leopards will be close to camp making viewing somewhat easier, if they want to be seen!
Hoping for good news about cubbies soon! Having seen all 3 of these females last September, I am always rooting for their good success as dominant female leopards in raising cubs and continuing their excellent genetic heritage!
Hi Barry, thanks for the update on the Xinkhova female. Very beautiful leopardess and off course her mother the Nkoveni female and grand mother the Mashaba female are legends in their own right. Bearing the Sunsetbend lineage the Xinkhova female and her sister the Stone Drift female are famous. Both young leopards are beautiful and I remember them playing with each other and their mother so often.
Hello Barry! What great news and we will hope to find her on our June trip to Londolozi! Can’t wait, and we will look forward to seeing you too!