The Hlambela 2:2 Male isn’t a new leopard to the Sabi Sands, having been born in the western sector in July 2018, making him approximately seven years old. He is the son of the well-known Boulders Female and the presumed Ravenscourt Male. Both he and his littermate, the Tisela Female, have successfully reached independence.
While he is not a new leopard to Londolozi, we began seeing him haphazardly in the north since August 2024. Initially, he was difficult to locate, often spending time in the thicker, more inaccessible parts of the reserve. However, he is now being seen more regularly in the pristine areas of the north, and we recently realised we hadn’t officially introduced him on the blog, so it’s time to formally acknowledge this impressive male.
After climbing down from the boulder after rasping he walked straight towards us.
An impressive male, appearing as a rising force in the north. Making a name for himself by pushing other males out.
The name Hlambela was given to him upon reaching independence, meaning “he who swims” in Shangaan. This was inspired by his remarkable early hunting attempts which famously included wading through water in pursuit of White-faced Whistling Ducks.
Fortunately, his hunting habits have matured, and he has now successfully established his territory, evidenced by our increasing sightings of him in the same area over the last few months.
An impressive yawn before he got up from the boulder
My first reliable encounter with him was last year in October. We were following up on rasps, expecting to find the Xinzele Female. To our surprise, it was this impressive young male calling from atop a termite mound before he meandered into the thickets. Fast forward a year, and I had my second sighting, and following a recent third encounter, it is clear he has settled.
One of the best things to see is a leopard on a boulder. It seems he was soaking up the warmth from the rock beneath him
Territorial Momentum Established
The Hlambela Male’s consistent rasp calls and territorial patrols, coupled with deliberate scent marking throughout the region, confirm that he has successfully claimed the north-western parts of Londolozi. His established tracks are frequently documented across the area, leaving little doubt about his territorial status.
A positive sign seeing him scent mark as he moved through the area.
He grew significantly in confidence and, with the unfortunate death of the Senegal Bush Male, he quickly capitalised on the opportunity, securing a vital vacant territory in the north.
As a result of his dominance, we’ve received reports that the Hlambela Male has been exerting pressure on the Tortoise Pan Male, forcing him to shift his range further east.
We followed him until he disappeared into a thick drainage line
As the northern leopard dynamics continue to evolve, the Hlambela Male stands out as a formidable, established force. With less pressure from surrounding males (due to his own assertion of dominance) and several well-known and established females in his vicinity, he is now firmly in a prime position.
This impressive male is firmly here to stay. He has secured his area across Marthly and could potentially push further eastwards as he continues to assert dominance over the boundary with the Flat Rock Male.
He’s a handsome male, that’s for sure. It will be nice to have more genetic diversity now that the Senegal Bush Male has sadly passed.
Exciting news, Kirst! He looks to be handsome and good sized; hope he stays so I have a chance to see him in May! I hope his presence doesn’t push the Tortoise Pan male north and off Londolozi property.
Dear Kirst, that will be interesting movements. Can`t believe that this leopard make pressure to the impressive Tortoise Pan.
It’s great to hear of this old/new male, the Hlambela Male. What a beautiful animal he is. I love the expression on his face while he is lying flat on that rock.One has the urge to kind of cuddle him he looks so relaxed and good-natured.
Wonderful that Londolozi has yet another impressive male leopard. This means that there will be a lot of disputes about dominance, though. Exciting to watch.
Gorgeous guy. I hope he might share the Senegal Bush previous territory with a newcomer in some way, as he’s exercitating pressure on the Tortoise pan male (a favourite mega leopard, being Zndzandeni’s son and a force in himself). Son of the Ravenscourt male says it all… who are the female in his area? Xinkova, Ximungwe… ?
This is great news for the female leopards in the area as his presence will widen the gene pool in that area, and with the loss of the Senegal Bush male, it seems this territory was ready for a young, dominant male. I’m guessing that Flat rock has permanently moved across the border to the east, this leaving the north wide open, save for Tortoise Pan making his appearance from time to time. Hopefully these two can co-exist without any drama. Thanks for including your photos of this handsome male as now we have a visual to go with his name. I look forward to further updates.
Hi Kirst, this seems to be a handsome male and can bring in new blood to the already male population on Londolozi. Seeing that the Senegal bush male has passed away, he can now take over that territory.