It was just around the time lockdown started that we suspected the Nkoveni female had given birth, but it wasn’t until a couple of days ago that we finally caught a glimpse of her cub. Although the Nkoveni female herself used to make up a substantial amount of Londolozi’s leopard viewing; her territory was centred around the Londolozi camps, and we used to see her both to our east and west. However, just as her daughter the Plaque Rock female reached independence, we saw a steady eastward shift in territory from the Nkoveni female until one sighting a week was a lot.
The Ximungwe female also filled in a chunk of the territory left behind, so the Plaque Rock female didn’t have it all her own way, and has also had to shift east.
We don’t see the Nkoveni female as often as we used to.
The Nkoveni female with a young Plaque Rock female; her previous cub and now an independent leopard.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
I’m getting off topic here, which is that even though we knew the Nkoveni female had likely given birth, there were only a limited number of places she might be stashing a litter.
The Sand River was always the most likely area; the Nkoveni female herself was born in a dens debris thicket, and she has birthed three previous litters there. We had also checked most of the prominent drainage lines in the area extensively, with no results, so the River was looking like the last option.
The Sand River is full of boulder clusters and debris piles that serve adequately as dens. It is also hard to access with a vehicle in some areas, as Ranger Chris Taylor found out, getting bogged down in a particularly muddy section.
Finally on Sunday, we received reports that a female leopard and cub had been spotted on a prominent boulder in the middle of the Sand River.
We were there at first light the next morning to see if we could see anything, and within 30 seconds of arriving at the spot, glimpsed the ears of the cub hiding amongst some rocks behind a reedbed. Within a few minutes the Nkoveni female herself had appeared, and both mother and cub made their way up onto the largest boulder.
This is one of those boulders you dream of seeing a leopard on.
The cub will hardly have had any association with Land Rovers before this sighting, so was understandably a bit cautious of our presence, even though we were viewing from a distance.
It was only for a few brief minutes in the sunshine , and then the pair descended into the reedbeds once again, where we lost sight of them.
The cub appears to be around 10-12 weeks old, which means it should be getting taken to kills any day, if it hasn’t already.
The female was seen in the same place again this morning, which suggests she is using the den at least semi-permanently, so imagine we’ll be spending a lot more time in the area in the near future.
This is great news. Would there have been more than one cub initially?
Possibly Marinda
Wow! Ten Wild Dog pups and now a leopard cub! You’re spoilt for choice during lockdown. Talking of lockdown, does the pink pouch still operate during lockdown?
Of course! Unfortunately I currently hold it…
What a super sighting, never seen a cub that young
Does this mean that Chris holds the Pink Pouch?
Ian unfortunately this photo was from a while back, and I am the current holder… 🙁
so much good news about cubs- the tsala lioness and her cub found safe and now the new leopard cub is seen. fingers crossed all goes well for them!! Victoria
James, the Great Granddaughter of Vomba (saw her on our first Londolozi visit in with you 2011)! How awesome! Let’s hope this one makes it. It’s so amazing to watch the families continue to thrive at Londolozi!
Beautiful pictures. Are there any updates on the Inyathini male ?
He was seen in Mala Mala two days ago.
Thank you.
Beautiful! Looking forward to posts of their progress❤️
Amazing news!! So glad to hear that Nkoveni has a new litter!!
For getting stuck in the Sand River, was Ranger Chris Taylor awarded the dreaded Pink Pouch? 😉
Unfortunately Doug, he managed to get himself out…
Good morning James!
Not to get off topic, but out of curiosity, a couple of thoughts have been on my mind. – These might be stupid questions, but,.. first,.. In thought of the felines (Lioness’s, Leopards, etc, in particular); .. How do they get the blood off from their faces after they have finished eating their kill? Second, In thought of the water that the “felines” drink from the river or water holes – Does the water affect their health upon their life span? As little as I know about animals in the wild (in the bush), it just seems interesting that so many of them live fairly long lives.
I’m to “assume” that their bodies become “immune” to the water, (and food) that they eat, less they both (the water and “kills” be “pure” in way of bacteria (or possible diseases) that could harm them. (??)
When I see the pictures of the “felines,” I’m always amazed as they look so “clean” and healthy! (less that of the lions/lionesses who have scars on their faces from “cat scraps.”
Today’s pictures go by example, of the Leopard and her cub. Their fur is so rich and full, and luxuriant looking! .. Do Leopards have the same life span as lions/lionesses in the wild?
.. Lastly, the pictures of the cub spotting you guys out is adorable. It’s amazing to see how “tame” the animals act despite humans being present,.. I love the filters you used to create the picture affects. It allows for the “moment” to stand out with such feeling.
Happy news for Nkoveni and her new cub! I hope the little one becomes habituated soon so that you can share many more sightings with us!
Lovely to see another cub born!
James, found the cub and Nkoveni Leopard🤗
My hope is that this cub will meet with same success as Nkoveni’s previous litters. Glad the team knows generally where to find her until she moves it to another location. Cubs are such sweet innocents.
So glad you were all able to see this beautiful cat and her cub. Made the wait all that much worthwhile. Thanks for sharing with us James. Be well and stay safe all of you.
James, brilliant news sighting Nkoveni and her cub. Your past two weeks have been so rich in discovering the new pups of the wild dog parents and now a cub! Life is beautiful!
Sorry about your pink pouch, but I’m sure soon you will be able to pass it along to an overly zealous colleague.
Hi James, great read as always. I have a few questions regarding the Nkoveni female for you. What litter number is this for her, and is the Plaque Rock Female the only cub she’s raised to independence? Also, any sightings of the Mashaba female recently?
Always happy to little cubs and stay safe !