Few things create more excitement for me than spending time with a big, dominant male leopard. Being almost twice the size of a female leopard, the size disparity is very noticeable. And while one would describe a female leopard as sleek, agile and fleet-footed, a male, on the other hand, is often described as powerful, stocky and robust. In fact, I’ve often given the narrative that males, especially fully grown, established ones, have a presence about them – you can feel them. You immediately know that the animal you are watching is a top top predator.
Pushing Territorial Boundaries
It’s for this reason that I get excited about the prospect of seeing the cool, calm and collected Hlambela Male on a more regular basis. As it stands, the northern stretches of Londolozi encompass parts of both the Hlambela Male and Tortoise Pan Male’s territories. These two males with their adjacent territories are in direct competition.
A recent report from our northern neighbours had the Hlambela Male once again trailing the Tortoise Pan Male as he scent-marked on top of the opposing male’s urine. Will the Hlambela Male continue to stake a claim for more space/territory, or does the Tortoise Pan Male have enough experience and strength to hold his ground?
An impressive male, appearing as a rising force in the north. Making a name for himself by pushing other males out.
The Tortoise Pan Male is a formidable male leopard and one with a rich history and vast experience of putting other leopards in their place.
Born 2016 to Ndzanzeni Female, royal descendant of Mother Leopard. Now a dominant force in the north.
The Ngungwe Female and Her Role In This
Another point of interest is that of the Ngungwe Female. Having done an exceptional job raising her young daughter towards independence, the next chapter will likely begin before too long. If history is anything to go by, she’ll soon return to oestrus and begin seeking out a dominant male to mate with.
Born 2020 during lockdown to Piccadilly Female. Once skittish, now confident mother denning her first litter in Marthly's rocky terrain.
Personally, I hope that male is the Hlambela Male. Not simply because he is a magnificent leopard but because it could have exciting implications for the northern reaches of Londolozi.
Ngunngwe female sits perfectly in the ‘V’ of a marula
Mating and Territories
Dominant male leopards structure their territories around access to females rather than geography alone. A successful male’s territory will often overlap with several established females, maximising his opportunities to reproduce. If the Hlambela Male were to sire the Ngungwe Female’s next litter, there is every chance he would spend more time patrolling the full extent of her territory, scent marking boundaries and ensuring rival males remain at bay.
An incredible afternoon with the relaxed Hlambela Male, who I quite literally nearly walked into when tracking off in the bush. You can imagine my surprise when I gazed up to see this beautiful male three meters from me, lying on a warm rock. Not a hiss, growl or snarl. I backed off slowly towards the Land Rover, trying to gulp down air and explain to my guests the sighting that was about to unfold!
That doesn’t mean he is consciously protecting his cubs. Rather, by defending his territory and maintaining dominance, he also protects his own reproductive investment. Any incoming male represents a threat, not only to his position but potentially to any cubs carrying his genes.
What Next?
For us at Londolozi, that creates an exciting possibility. The Hlambela Male has always felt like a leopard we don’t quite see enough of. Should his movements become more closely tied to the Ngungwe Female, we may begin seeing this impressive male with greater regularity across the northern sections of the reserve. For now, like most things in the bushveld, it remains speculation.
But one of the joys of following leopards over many years is recognising that every mating, every territorial shift and every young leopard reaching independence quietly sets the stage for the next chapter. And perhaps that next chapter will feature the Hlambela Male a little more often.
Interesting news of the Hlambela Male.
A beautiful leopard.
I am looking forward to hearing more about him and who might be the father of the Ngungwe’s next litter.
Great photos of all the leopards involved.
He is great male to have around! Thanks Christa
Fascinating account of the Hlambela male leopard and the opportunities and pressures he faces Nic. I too hope that he mates with the Ngungwe female, giving him more reason to hang around and defend his northern territory.
Hi Paul, I think we’re all excited for what the future holds for this impressive male!
Hi Nick, have you got more info about him? Like relatives or where he comes from? He’s 8 years old, so the right time for this beauty to start a progeny attempt has come. An awesome creature gifted with power and grace. Very intriguing, let’s hope he will do what you described!
Hi Francesca, yes sure. His parents were the Boulders female and the Ravenscourt male both successful leopards in their own right. He comes from the western areas of the Sabi Sands. Fingers crossed!
Hi Nic, the Hlambela Male is a huge male and he is very confident in every stride he takes. Let’s hope he mates with the Ngungwe female so he has sired his own cubs. Your images are beautiful.
Thanks for the blog, Nic. How do the 2 males compare in size? I have a soft spot for Tortoise Pan, as I first saw him at around 6 weeks old. I love comparing my photos of him as an incredibly cute little cub to the battle-scarred warrior he is now. And of course any cubs of his carry the mother leopard genes…..
Hi Suzanne, on my observations the Tortoise Pan male appears probably slightly bigger weight wise. Hlambela does look a bit taller then the Tortoise Pan male but I am yet to see them in a sighting together so its tough to say exactly.
The Hlambela male is certainly no slouch though!
Thanks Valmai!
Hi Nic, first of all your photos of Hlambela are fantastic as well as Kirst’s b/w version. Although I’ve not seen this stunning male leopard, he seems a force to be reckoned with if he remains in the north. I do have to admit I have a soft spot for Tortoise Pan as he was the first leopard I viewed at Londolozi in November, 2019, and so if he was to mate with Ngungwe, I wouldn’t be upset. However, it seems that there has been a possibility that Hlambela has mated with Xinzele, also a northern area leopardess. Time will tell, but having a younger, stronger male in the area is definitely a positive.
The northern section of Londolozi is an amazing area and I’ve always enjoyed traversing it, but this past year the rains and the level of the river made the crossing impossible, as you know, but although I had said it was my final trip due to the 29+ hours of travel to reach South Africa from Northern California, I may reconsider…..the pull of the bush is very strong!!
Thank you. Completely agree with you. Glad to hear it Denise, keep well!
What an experience you had, coming within 3 meters of the Hlambela male – yikes!! That surely set your pulse racing! Glad it resulted in nothing more than a wonderful sighting, Nic!
Thanks Mary Beth – I hope you are well!
This would be an interesting development. Ever since the Anderson, Inyathini and Senegal Bush Males have passed and the Maxim’s Male has taken over such a huge territory, we don’t hear as much about the other dominant males in the area
Hi Chelsea, Exactly! Hence everyones excitement. Fingers crossed.
Leopards are always interesting, and I love reading about how you keep track of their lives.
I also love your photography of these majestic animals. Thank you! Chris