Just west of camp, a fascinating shift is unfolding in the male leopard landscape. Three powerful individuals—each experienced, each with something to prove—are converging around the Sand River, jostling for dominance over an area once ruled by the legendary Senegal Bush Male. With access to multiple females and prime real estate along the river, the stakes are high, and the tension is building.
The late Senegal Bush Male, poised on a termite mound in the evening light.
Dominant from 2019-2024, transformed from cautious visitor to powerful territorial force. Mastered central Londolozi until his final days.
Let’s begin with the Maxims Male, a male who has been well established for a while now, typically in the southeastern parts of the reserve and further into our eastern neighbours’ property. Over the years, he has been extremely successful, having sired many cubs that we have been fortunate enough to watch grow into independent leopards. As with all successful males, his drive to pass on his genes fuels a constant urge to expand territory, giving him better access to more females. Lately, he’s been pushing west—his tracks appearing more frequently in once-unfamiliar terrain, and sightings now reaching well into the southwest.
The Maxims Male on a territorial patrol around the Maxabene Riverbed.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
But expansion comes at a cost. The further a male spreads, the more energy is demanded for patrols, scent-marking, and conflict avoidance or confrontation. A larger territory can mean greater reward, but also greater risk. If anyone has the power and presence to maintain a territory this size, it’s the Maxims Male.
As he strides past a bush, the Maxim’s Male deposits scent high up, reaffirming his claim with a touch of intimidation.
To the west, a young contender is finding his stride: the Ntomi Male, son of the Senegal Bush Male. For a time, he lived in the shadow of his father, remaining submissive and cautious. But after the Senegal Bush Male’s sudden death, a vacuum formed—and the Ntomi Male stepped forward. Still maturing, he’s been slow to fully stamp his authority on the territory, but signs are mounting.
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
Yet this transitional zone is anything but stable. Pressure is mounting from both sides. The Maxim’s Male encroaches from the east. And from the west, the Ntomi Male is under pressure from an elusive but powerful force inching closer: the Thamba Male. This has seen the Ntomi Male pushing a bit further south towards the grasslands. As he grows and becomes more established, I believe he will push back and begin expanding further, granting him access to more females.
A stunning moment as the Ntomi Male surveys the landscape from a marula branch.
Once mostly confined to our western neighbours, the Thamba Male is now venturing further east, and may soon be a more regular presence along the river. While we don’t see him often, when we do, he leaves a strong impression. It’s not hard to imagine him seizing an opportunity should conflict arise between the younger Ntomi Male and the ageing Maxims Male.
Leopards will often walk long distances in order to mark their territory. Here you can see the Thamba Male marching down the road on a lengthy territorial patrol.
Exciting times await along the western boundary of Londolozi, once the stronghold of a dominant patriarch, is now in flux. Who will claim it? Will the Maxim’s Male continue pushing west? Will the Ntomi Male rise up and take his father’s place? Or will the Thamba Male quietly assert himself and surprise them both?
It’s a thrilling time to be watching leopards west of camp—and I’ll be sure to keep you updated as this dynamic plays out.
They are all beautiful leopards. The Senegal Bush Male is missed. We all watched him grow up.
Hi Ross, how beautiful and intimidating those males appear. The Maxim male must shift, or he risks to mate to his own daughters. What age is the Thamba male? He looks older than the Ntomi male and younger than the Maxim. Of course, the Ntomi male has a sort of right by inheriting his father’s territory… his chest looks so large he will become a great powerful contender. As we all saw him since he was a sweet-looking cub, it’s impressive to observe the changes and his appearance from a soft innocent little fur ball into a young playful youngster and then into an intimidating male …
Thanks for the Leopard update Ross! It’s always in testing to watch Leopard dynamics. As soon as things seem to be settled, someone moves in to shake it up! We are headed your way this week and can’t wait to see it all unfold in realtime! Maybe we will find Thamba somewhere at Londoz!
Thanks for the update, Ross! I’m hoping that the Ntomi make can hang on and carve himself a permanent territory on Londolozi. He’s been fun to watch growing up and a handsome leopard at that!
Can’t wait to hear how this plays out. Sad to hear of the Senegal Bush Male’s sudden death, when and how? I must’ve missed it in past blog posts.
This is a fantastic update Ross as I hadn’t realized Thamba was moving eastwards. Should he decide to expand his territory into Londolozi, it will most definitely change the dynamics within the leopard population. Given the Maxim male has sired many of the younger leopards within Londolozi, it is important that his female progeny mate with a leopard from another area in order to keep the gene pool fresh, thus opening an opportunity for Thamba or a different male.
Thanks, Ross, for this update on some of Londolozi’s male leopards and their urge for bigger or new territory. It is always so interesting to follow those leopards whereabouts and movements.
It was also nice to see a photo of the late Senegal Bush Male again. Lovely that his son might be following in his footsteps
Hi Ross, the Maxim’s male is a stunning specimen and I am sure his dominance will supersede himself. I have a spot in my heart for the Ntomi male, I hope that he will also have a huge territory and sire many cubs.
Oh boys! Rooting for the Ntomi male to take his dad’s spot!!!
Thanks Ross for the update. I saw Thamba in late 2018, when he was newly independent- think he was born in May ’16 in Ottawa?
These boys are all so beautiful, but I for one would be very happy to have Thamba move in and stake his claim…..he is a mighty male leopard and with an excellent genetic heritage!