The wild has a way of quietly reshaping itself—loss makes room for new life, absence creates opportunity, and the story continues to unfold. As difficult as it is to say, we must now conclude that the once-dominant Nweti Male is no longer with us.
His last confirmed sighting was in mid-February. Since then, not a single track, rasp, or sign has surfaced—not even in the far reaches of his extensive territory. For a leopard once so commanding, whose calls were heard through the southern corners of Londolozi and beyond, the silence speaks volumes. Though no physical evidence has confirmed his passing, we have, with heavy hearts, come to accept that the Nweti Male is now a fallen legend.
This powerful male left behind more than just a vast territory. He left a legacy—remembered in the countless moments shared between him and the rangers, trackers, and guests who were fortunate enough to witness his presence in the wild. His composed temperament and unparalleled hunting strength, especially his remarkable ability to take down warthogs, made him unforgettable.
And now, as nature always does, it moves forward.
A Son Rises
In a rare twist for leopard dynamics, it is his own son—the Nottens 4:4 Male—who is beginning to fill the void.
Typically, young males are pushed out of their natal territories, forced to wander in search of unclaimed land, their stories continuing beyond our borders. But the Nottens Male appears to have seized a rare window of opportunity. At just over three years old, this confident, fast-maturing young leopard is now exploring and scent-marking in the very territory once ruled by his father.
He has shifted his movements away from the narrow range where we initially saw him and is now venturing more widely through the open spaces left behind by the Nweti Male. From termite mounds to shaded drainage lines, he is beginning to appear more confidently, albeit still sporadically, as he starts to explore the spaces his father once dominated. Strikingly reminiscent of his father in both looks and nature, the Nottens Male moves through the bush with a calm confidence that is already winning over hearts—and the attention of many a camera lens.
Hope for the Future
This development is a gift to all of us who cherish the Leopards of Londolozi. Instead of being driven out, this young male is writing the next chapter of a lineage we’ve come to know well. With the southern reaches of the reserve slowly becoming his own, the Nottens Male is offering us the rare privilege of continuity.
We can only hope that it won’t be long before he mates with some of our well-known females, and the Nweti line continues through a new generation. For now, we celebrate this young male’s rise, not just as a new dominant leopard, but as a living tribute to his father’s legacy.
Of course, this is only the beginning. Whether the Nottens Male will be able to hold onto this prime territory remains to be seen. A more mature rival may yet emerge to challenge him for it. But for now, he is stepping into his father’s territory, and only time will show if he can hold it.
He’s still young… very handsome! His father’s and his eyes have a bit of a sad look – the eye shape between the ears, every one has a different expression as look and personality. I am mesmerised by tales on leopards. Their solitary lives appear to offer a never-ending series of surprises. Were lions always so strong as presently in Londolozi? It seems that the life expectancy length of leopards and their survival has shortened since the appearance of the Mother Leopard. Don’t take it as a criticism to lions presence, they are the terrestrial apex predators and I like them a lot, but I was just thinking from an environmental point of view. No tale in any way can I find so fascinating like the life of a Leopard. The Nweti male is unforgettable….
Naive question. I’m assuming that the surrounding lodges have also not seen the Nweti Male? My thinking is that he’s established a territory somewhere else?
It is great paws to fill so to speak..
Is he not a bit young to hold this territory? i guess time will tell.
Death and new beginning, the Newti male and now his son, the Nottens male. Great that he seems to be able to take over his late father’s territory. This is good news for all the leopard fans of Londolozi.
Beautiful photos of these two leopards.
Megan, as much as Nweti will be missed as he was a beast of a male leopard, it would be the perfect beginning to a new chapter. The son of Ntsumi and Nweti, I remember seeing him as a sub-adult, still following his mother in the hopes of sharing her meal, but she was already pregnant and would snarl at him. He was cheeky and took advantage of sneaking in to consume his natal parents kills until the day came and he was finally banished. I’ll never forget that sighting last October when we found him relaxing under the deck of the Moody’s house, that huge head a carbon copy of Nweti. It will be good to have different genetics so that the leopard population can continue to grow and thrive. Thanks for the update!
Hi Megan, it is sad to hear the Nweti male is no longer on Londolozi ground. It leaves a open space I our hearts to not see him anymore. But his son the Nottens male will take his place. He has huge paws to fill and luckily he knows the where abouts on the ground so he can fill his dad’s territory.
So good to read such a great post from you…Hopefully, like father, like son. Reminds me of all the knowledge you shared with us on our rides last September.
So happy to read a post by you…Reminds me of all the great knowledge you shared on our rides last September. Hopefully, like father, like son will hold true.
What an interesting turn of events. Do we know if he has any sisters? I’m hoping that by sticking around he will not inbreed with his mother or other close relatives. Paws crossed!
Megan, It’s sad to lose one of our favorites, but we understand that this is the real world of wildlife. We hope to see him on our upcoming visit!!!