Recently we have had some spectacular cheetah viewing, with seven different individuals being seen in areas all over the reserve. The most exciting was the discovery of a female cheetah with two young cubs that we have seen a few times now. The reason this is such exciting news is because we do not see cheetah – let alone cheetah cubs – in this area nearly as regularly as we see other predators.
The female cheetah and her two 5 month old cubs that we have been seeing in the southern parts of the reserve.
One of the two mature male cheetah that we have seen in the last few weeks walks through open grassland in the late afternoon sun
Two young cheetah were seen traversing across the northern parts of the reserve one afternoon. We estimated that they were about 2 years old and would have recently become independent.
If we were to rank the larger predators into a hierarchy, cheetahs would be right at the bottom of the list purely because they are not strong enough to compete with the others. They certainly are the fastest but that advantage will only really help them in open areas in order to catch prey or run away from threats. Lions are certainly the apex predator in the region followed closely by hyenas, leopards, wild dogs and then cheetah. It’s important to know that these predators do not actively prey on one another but they will try and take each other out because ultimately they are all reliant on a similar food source and therefore it would make sense to try and eliminate any competition for that food.
One from a few years back, a male cheetah (foreground) is chased by a male leopard. This cheetah was quickly able to escape as he spotted the threat in time.
A hyena is completely unperturbed by the presence of a cheetah as he goes to investigate whether there is any food for him to steal. The cheetah on the other hand is quite agitated and soon after moved away.
Numbers also come into the equation because even though lions are regarded as being at the top of the hierarchy because of their size and strength, a single lioness on her own would be no match for a clan of hyenas. Similarly, a big male leopard might be able to challenge a single wild dog but when the rest of the pack get there he would probably look for the safety of the nearest tree. Unfortunately, cheetah are always on the run as it is their best means of defence and they do not want to risk any chance of injury or death from conflict with other predators unless it’s an encounter with another cheetah.
A single lioness is no match for a clan of hyenas and will flee if she’s given half a chance.
A sighting from a few years back sees Wild Dogs chase a male leopard into a tree; even when he was out of reach they kept trying to get to him.
We are incredibly lucky at Londolozi to view multiple prides of lions that move around the whole reserve and the dynamics between the prides is a fascinating story in itself. The leopards of Londolozi have also been very well documented over the years and at present we have records of over 30 different nomadic and territorial individuals that move across the reserve. Currently, there is also an increased presence of Wild Dogs with at least two packs denning in the greater area. With all of these predators making kills frequently in order to sustain their numbers, hyenas have the opportunity to thrive as they operate as nature’s clean-up crew. In other words, predator numbers are high in this region and it’s hard for cheetah to compete with them and that’s why we count ourselves very fortunate to have had the sightings of them that we have had.
The female cheetah and her two cubs lying on a termite mound in the morning sun.
When out on game drive its always a good idea to scan the termite mounds on the chance there is a cheetah making full use of the vantage point.
No words needed.
The reason for the increase in cheetah numbers recently is unclear and I am just reporting on what I have observed recently on our reserve. It could be because of the fact that we are in winter and the bush is not as thick. This means that there are more open areas which are favourable to cheetah who will make use of termite mounds and fallen trees to survey the area for prey and threats. Nevertheless, the reality is that it is just part of the ebb and flow of nature and a great reminder of how lucky we are to be a part of a protected wilderness area that spans over 6 million acres which allows for nature and all its mysteries, stories and spectacles to unravel right here in front of us.
It is fantastic news that there are more cheetah seen at Londolozi. It is always special to see this endangered species.
Had the opportunity to see a mother and 2 cubs during our first visit. The ensuing stalking and take down of an impala was incredible. The blinding speed of the cheetah made the chase a “no contest.” Such athleticism. Mother then “instructed” the cubs to finalize the kill.
Cheetahs always seem to be on alert with their heads continually swiveling even while at rest.
Observing the cheetah family roaming between Londolozi and Singita has been fascinating to watch albeit vicariously. She seems to be a good mom , watching out for her young, but as you so rightly stated, conditions aren’t great for her. Just after she makes a kill, having barely eaten, the hyenas rush in to take their meal. Such is the way of life for this predator…..I’m hoping this family will stay around for awhile.
James, what a wonderful blog – cheetahs everywhere🤗
We didn’t realize how predator-rich Londolozi had become. Interesting that it occurred as the Reserve was in lockdown. Perhaps Mother Nature is rebalancing wildlife as she rebalances humankind. Very interesting turn of events. Is poaching on the increase as well?
Hi Bob and Lucie, thank goodness in our area poaching has not been on the increase.
James…. your last sentence says it all!!! Thank for all of the sharing…. ❣️
Great photos, James. How nice that there are now several cheetah in your area! I hope they will stay around a bit…
It’s fantastic that they have been around lately. We have had some excellent cheetah viewing ourselves when we have visited. Very unexpected but absolutely lovely to see. Cheetah cubs are on the top of my list as are the wild dogs pups . You guys are super fortunate right now!
Love the cheetah! Thanks for sharing such good info about them!
Thanks for this James! The hierarchy of predators is fascinating, especially because those of us in the U.S. who grew up on “Wild Kingdom” focused on the big cats (occasionally cheetah, but mostly the others) and rarely on the status of hyenas among predators. At least that’s my childhood recollection. Also, cheetahs have always held a special fascination, as the footage of their sheer speed always impresses!! But I never really understood their vulnerabilities. Thanks again!
We saw a male in the southern area of Londolozi in early August 2019. I wonder if the female was in the area and in estrous since the timing is close to when she would have gotten pregnant with those cubbies.
Are you perhaps visiting the Southern Area more?
Hi Ian, we’ve been lucky to have had cheetah sightings all over the reserve including the southern section.
Interesting blog, James. Thank you very much. The old story of dogs chasing cats up trees happens in the Bush too! Wendy M
I love cheetahs, they always look so
majestic standing on top of termite mounds or rocks. I know they are endangered, did not realize they were so far down the list of predators. By the sway you have probable heard of the Columbus, Ohio Zoo but they have a breeding programs for several endangered species. They just announced the birth of 2 cheetah cubs thru in vitro fertilization. Victoria
To be a cheetah mom is also the most difficult job in the world……
Oh my. So many cheetah sightings lately, makes it even more exciting for our return. James, I noticed that the cheetahs are not named like the lions or leopards, by pride names or territory. Why is this?
Cheetah images so amazingly wow.Beautiful write up on them too.Have evolved excellent adaptations as well to suit their hunting style.
beautiful inserts showing the main predators having a go a one another…more like the hunter being the hunted!
Leopard retreating up a tree under attack from wild dog serves to highlight how much the numbers matrix models nature’s battles in the wilderness.
I also am curious that since Londolozi is witnessing an increase in cheetah density , would it not be possible to also give particular individuals code names /names same like in leopard or lions.A..sure this would heightein the intrest to cheetah from the audience.
Cheetah numbers improving serves as a huge morale booster for the species.Cheetah juveniles have to survive high mortality risks to reach adulthood.