In the heart of the wild, where nature’s symphony plays out in its most primal and exquisite form, there exists a haven of untamed majesty. This realm of magnificent beauty and raw drama has become synonymous with an unparalleled concentration of one of Africa’s most elusive and enigmatic predators: the leopard. Within this extraordinary landscape, where lush riverine forests and open grasslands converge, an intense battle for dominance and survival and in turn territorial rights has unfolded over millennia.
Three leopards in one tree, the Ndzanzeni Female and her son who is now known as the Tortoise Pan Male were greeted by the Inyathini Male as the three then fed on a carcass caught by the female. It was such a unique and amazing scene to see three leopards all resting in one tree.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
Another leopard who originated in the Kruger National Park, he has established a large territory in the south eastern areas of Londolozi.
Born in 2016, this male spent his early years in the south-east of Londolozi, but began moving further afield in late 2019.
Londolozi’s rugged terrain has long provided the perfect crucible for the leopard population to flourish. Here, amidst the dappled sunlight and shadowy depths, these feline masters of stealth find a symphony of life to prey upon, thriving in their role as nature’s custodians of balance. Their luxurious coats melt seamlessly into the dappled foliage, allowing them to stalk with stealth and strike with lethal precision. With an abundance of prey, prime hunting grounds, and the safety of hidden lairs, it’s no wonder that the density of leopards at Londolozi has reached an unprecedented high.
In a mesmerising scene of three adult leopards all in the same frame, the Tamboti Female (closest to the camera) walks side-by-side with two males (father and son) the Tu-tones Male in the middle and the Camp Pan Male at the back.
The Tamboti female inhabited the south-eastern sections of Londolozi, having a large part of her territory along the Maxabene Riverbed.
The Tu Tones male astounded everyone by establishing his territory within his father Camp Pan's territory.
The King of Londolozi in his day; an enormous male whose offspring still inhabit the reserve.
Yet, such a concentration of power and beauty comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. The very success that fuels their population growth also sparks intense competition for prime territory, a battle fought with claws and cunning. In this relentless dance of survival, leopards prioritize self-preservation above all else. Engaging in an intense fight is a gamble, a calculated risk where defeat could mean injury, starvation, or even death. Only when the stakes are highest do these shadowy predators unleash their ferocity, clashing in a display of strength and will that can shake the very foundations of the wild.
The Eyrefield Male and Senegal Bush have it out over a prime piece of real estate.
Initially fairly skittish, but seems to be relaxing a bit now.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
Amidst this gripping tapestry of life and death, the story of the Nkoveni Female leopard unfolds, a saga of maternal devotion, territorial ambition, and the unrelenting demands of nature. Raising two cubs, the embodiment of her legacy, while simultaneously seeking to expand her territory to accommodate her newly independent daughters, the Xinkhova Female and Stone Drift Female, Nkoveni Female stands at the precipice of fate.
Seeing these three leopards together is an absolute privilege. The Nkoveni female has done an incredible job at raising them to this age.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
A stunning young female with a very similar spot pattern to her mother, the Nkoveni Female. Litter still completely intact March 2022.
Also young and playful but rather with a spot pattern of 3:2. She is slightly bigger than her sister.
The Nkoveni Female’s instinctual need to secure food for herself and her cubs led her to encroach on the Three Rivers Female’s territory. With the Three Rivers Female occupying prime territory adjacent to the Nkoveni Female, encompassing the Maxabene Riverbed, this would provide the most fruits for her labour.
The Three Rivers female pawed her way through the thick river sand along the Maxabene River. Prime real estate.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
A single impala carcass, a symbol of sustenance encroaching on another’s domain, became the catalyst for a showdown that would resonate through the annals of Londolozi’s history. The Three Rivers Female, defending her territory with a ferocity equal to that of the Nkoveni Female, challenged the encroachment, and what followed was an epic clash of wills.
The ensuing dispute escalated into an unexpected tragedy, with one of the Nkoveni Cubs falling victim to the Three Rivers Female’s aggression. This act ignited a fire within the Nkoveni Female, a fire that demanded retribution and the reassertion of her authority. As claws met flesh, the roars shattered the tranquil morning air. The fight was savage, raw, and unyielding, each leopard giving no quarter, each blow echoing the primal rhythm of survival.
Yet, in the aftermath, as the dust settled and the adrenaline waned, both females emerged from the battleground, battered but unbroken. The resilience of these fierce predators was on full display, scars etched into their bodies a testament to the unyielding spirit of the wild. One cub, believed to still be alive, fueled the Nkoveni Female to lead the Three Rivers Female away.
The Nkoveni Female descends a termite mound.
Five days later, another carcass had been acquired by the stealthy and remarkable hunting skills of the Nkoveni Female, another contest of wills upon the territorial boundary between these feline warriors. Upon first discovery, the Nkoveni Female lead her last remaining cub to the carcass where the two fed for the day. During the course of the evening, another clash must have ensued as at the commencement of the following morning game drive the two leopardesses were separated by 800m at most, but both were evidently agitated. The Three Rivers Female at the site of the carcass and the Nkoveni Female near the Maxabene Riverbed. Deep rasping calls filled the vicinity as neither leopard was intent on backing down.
The Three Rivers Female gazes intensely at her rival, Nkoveni Female, in the distance, preparing for an epic showdown.
The smaller yet equally confident Three Rivers Female was to make the first move in triggering off another colossal batter. She took up the challenge and approached the Nkoveni Female. Now a mere 100m apart the vocalisations and territorial displays escalated from both sides.
![Nkoveni And Three Rivers Females Walking In Clearing [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/22105738/Nkoveni-and-Three-Rivers-Females-Walking-in-Clearing-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
Strolling in tandem, these two females had previously engaged in a confrontation. This side-by-side display serves as a way to showcase their size and discourage their opponent.
The smaller Three Rivers Female seems to be more the aggressor.
Both continuously vocalising and scent-marking.
The Three Rivers Female found herself once more at odds with the relentless Nkoveni Female. In a whirlwind of teeth and sinew, they fought anew, claw met claw, power clashed with power, and the air vibrated with the intensity of their struggle. This time, Nkoveni Female’s wrath was uncontainable, her fury unleashed with a vengeance that spoke of a mother’s grief and a predator’s dominance.
As the battle raged, it became evident that there could be only one victor. The smaller Three Rivers Female, battered and bruised, bowed to the indomitable force of the Nkoveni Female’s will, submitting her territory and her destiny to the victor. A truce born of necessity, a surrender rooted in survival. Though the wounds they inflict seem dire, they rarely prove life-threatening. The Three Rivers Female, while battered, is expected to make a full recovery, standing as a testament to the astonishing resilience that defines these magnificent creatures.
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Uncertain of the fate of the Nkoveni Female’s second cub, we sincerely hope that it didn’t fall victim to the Three Rivers Female in the build-up to the second fight. We will keep a very close eye peeled in the hopes that it managed to escape, but I have my doubts and feel that it will be an absolute miracle for it to have survived.
The Wild, in its infinite complexity, casts its characters in roles far more intricate than any human drama. And so, the shadows of Londolozi’s forests hold secrets, tales of survival and power, painted in the blood of a territorial war. As time unfolds, the question remains: Will the Three Rivers Female retreat, relinquishing her home to Nkoveni’s dominance? Or will she rise once more, hoping that time has tamed the flames of vengeance and fueled by a determination that echoes the wild’s eternal heartbeat?
In this timeless struggle, the leopards of Londolozi stand as both warriors and poets of the wild, reminding us that the unforgiving tapestry of nature is a testament to life’s unyielding will to thrive.
Stay tuned for Sunday’s Virtual Safari where I will try and explain this why in a bit more detail. See you there.
The harsh reality of nature… ever since joining the Londolozi blog community (and my recent visit to Londolozi in July!) I have felt a real affinity for the Three Rivers Female – I truly love her survival story after losing her mother when she was so young.
It’s really mixed feelings reading this post, and seeing the videos…I’m certain I’m not the only one heartbroken to learn of the loss of one of the cubs – it’s been so special seeing the pictures and videos of the two of them…nature is cruel. I really hope the other one is alive, and I’ll be looking for posts to find out. For now at least, I’m glad that neither the Three Rivers Female or Nkoveni female are mortally injured. Beautiful and powerful creatures, I hope they can both have territory and survive.
Mother nature in her rawest form. You are certainly not the only one that is saddened by this event and the loss of at least one cub but probably both. Bit as you say, thankfully both the females are ok and not severely injured.
This was a lovely trip down memory lane for me, having seen all of the leopards (except the new Eyrefield male), until the fight between Nkoveni and 3 Rivers. So sad to hear about the death of her cub, and fingers crossed the 2nd cub may still be alive and ok.
Seeing the picture of Tamboti reminded me of her daughter (Island f). Just wondered if she’s still alive and well?
I did add a lot of imagery of all the old leopards, which is great to see every now and then. I think the Island Female is still alive, but I will have to double check.
I hate to seem dumb but don’t the cubs hide when fights happen? How did the cub end up getting killed?
The Nkoveni Female’s were at a stage where they were being taken across to carcasses to feed and this is where the Three Rivers Female then found them and killed them. I am sure they would have either tried to hide of run away but obviously it wasn’t good enough.
Did she kill both cubs? I thought it was one, how awful
We haven’t seen the second cub since so the chances are slim that it made it.
I’m so sad now, what a terrible life these animals have so hard.
Sean, What an incredible story! We were fortunate to witness part of the conflict and it was intense and a bit scary! The posturing, scent marking and growling by each of the leopards we experienced was clearly sending a message and warning. We were amazed that they both survived the epic battle! We hope the missing cub is ok! Also, it was great to catch up with you on our last morning – the blog is in great hands!
It is such an incredible story. These leopards are so resilient and although the Three Rivers Female looks pretty badly beat up, she will be fine. Maybe the worst will be a bit of a bruised ego. It was great to see you too. I hope all is going well back at home.
Deeply felt and inspired, this tale is one of the best and touching I read. The Nkoveni female was the favourite, not only for her size but especially for the hormonal level as she’s nursing her litter. Your sorrow was felt as the epilogue unfolded. Only the Nkoveni mum knows how she feels, we may only guess and feel for her. Such a drama, poor cub and mum. It was too heavenly… I will keep this in my favourite also for the different behavioural traits displayed by the described males and females. Such formidable wonders. Do you know if the (maybe) remaining cub is the male or the female? Anyway I do hope it is fine for its family’s sake.
These leopards are all such formidable warriors and it was sad that the cubs were collateral damage. The second cub was a female, which would be great if it survives but I have my doubts.
Sean , incredible pictures and videos to accompany the story of the leopards of Londolozi. The fight for survival is the fight that no animal can avoid and it brings out the most ferocious battles even in humans. Thank you for sharing!
The fight for survival is immense out here and definitely brings out sheer ferocity amongst these predators.
What beautiful looking leopards.
What an incredible story, Sean. These two magnificent female leopards battling for territory and their offspring is indeed epic, though fearsome and tragic at the same time. I hope they both recover from their wounds and can achieve a territorial balance that precludes future battles. I want to see them both next year!
Thank you, Mary Beth. I am sure they will eventually settle the dispute.
How old were the cubs at this point? Do they wander themselves more at this age? I’m curious as to how the Three Rivers female would have been able to come across both those cubs on separate occasions w/o mom around? So sad to lose them at any age but especially when she was able to raise them to this age 🙁
The cubs were about six to seven months old. So the mother would have brought them to a carcass to feed on. The carcasses were both in areas where the Three Rivers Female could be found. The first cub that got killed, the mother was nearby and by the time she reacted it was too late. The second cub we are not sure what happened, as it was during the course of the night.
Thank you for the details Sean 🙂 I sure hope you find the second cub alive and well soon!
Sadly, it is not looking too likely that the second cub is alive.
Nothing quite matches the wrath of an angry mother. I do have a soft spot in my heart for the Three Rivers female as she has made it through the loss of her mother at only a bit more than a year old. I hope she recovers swiftly and keeps most of her territory. It is nice to know Nkoveni at 11 yrs is still very much a dominant female.
Thank you for sharing
An angry mother after just witnessing her cubs being killed is something to stay clear of. The Three Rives Female has stolen many people’s hearts with her epic story, but the Nkoveni Female is also a favourite around here.
Oh no Sean, that is absolutely heart breaking that Nkoveni has maybe lost her one cub due to the confrontation with the Three Rivers female. Nkoveni is such a good mommy and we really hoped that she would raise both her cubs to adulthood. Wow what a fight they had and both females were very aggressive. Survival and retaining their territory is on going fight. So sorry for the Three Rivers female who lost her territory and Nkoveni who lost her cub. Only the strongest survive in the wild.
It is heartbreaking, and sadly quite likely that both cubs are gone. As you say, only the strong survive and so we will be interested to see what unfolds going forward.
Incredible footage of this epic struggle Sean! With the Nkoveni Female’s dominance and the retreat, however temporary, of the Three Rivers Female, it will be fascinating to see how this all plays out going forward.
It was an unforgettable sighting for those there to witness it. Can’t be sure if it was pleasant to be there, but just the sheer power and raw aggression between these two is something to revel at.
It is always astonishing how tough and resilient these animals are. They can recover from the most serious injury and carry on with their lives.
Still it‘s a tragedy that so many cubs suffer and have to die because of those rivalries. Nature can sometimes be really unforgiving.
Only a few weeks ago there were numerous leopard cubs around and now several have already died. What a waste on one hand side, on the other maybe there is only room for a certain number of cubs at a time. Difficult to say.
Nature is brutal and it is sad that there are so many unfortunate lives lost as a result but I guess it is all in balance and is mother nature taking its course.
All I can say is, OMG! Truly epic display of dominance and apparent anger by Nkoveni. It’s not surprising she would react so violently after seeing one of her cubs killed. None of this is surprising given the complexities of big cats, driven by the desire for territory and the willingness to fight to keep it intact. I’m hoping that the second cub managed to stay hidden or escape, to avoid the fray, or death. Terrific report Sean and I look forward to Sunday!!
It was such an intense sighting and true demonstration of power from both leopards.
Such a whirlwind of a sighting! Sad to think the Nkoveni Female may have lost the second cub (her first and second litters were lost too – the first never seen and the second (IIRC) when their father was killed by lions and the Flat Rock Male moved in). That said she has been an extraordinarily successful mother raising three female cubs which ironically is why she took the gamble to move into the Three Rivers Female’s territory (another Sunsetbend descendant). Thanks Sean for the full rundown of the sighting in this blog, here’s hoping the second cub has managed to avoid the same fate as its littermate!
It really is such a whirlwind of a sighting, Michael. The Nkoveni Female has been very successful as a mother. But I feel this could also be adding extra pressure on her with all her daughters being around and looking for territory. We hope the second cub is alive but it is not looking promising.
Very intense! Only in nature does the fight have necessity. What seem to be the ratio of males vs females born Sean?
As i guess in this instance 3 females would have been a much bigger challenge / problem for the Three Rivers Female?
I agree, only in nature does the fight have necessity. I would say it is probably 50/50 male to female in reality, but it certainly feels as though there are more females cubs around. It could just be that the mothers have been successful in raising the young females.
Sean, we observed the Nkoveni-Three Rivers soap opera develop over 3 days. The first 2 were primarily growling episodes. The 3rd resulted in the epic battle herein which played out directly in front of our vehicle. It was ferocious. We could not believe when we learned later that the Three Rivers was seen walking around despite sone very ugly wounds. We hope you can report on the missing remaining Nkoveni cub.
It was great to see you and San and meet Seb & Olivia.
It really was quite an exciting few days watching the whole story unfold. The Three Rivers Female is recovering well and is back in action. It was so good to see you too and that we got to introduce you to the little ones. Sorry it was so brief. Hopefully, we will see you next time you are back.
As of others have already stated it’s just heartbreaking that this beautiful female that raised her cubs to six or seven months, both of them, against all odds only to lose them within 24 hours of a mistake that she chose to make. It’s hard seeing the little ones lost but when they get bigger like this and we’ve become emotionally attached to them it’s just devastating. I can’t imagine the heartbreak that’s happening with all of you around the camp right now. Gorgeous photography and I’m one of the ones that can’t watch the videos. Your story is so beautifully written.
It is such a tragedy that she lost her cubs. I guess the difficult part is that we have seen them grow and turn into these awesome little leopards. Thank you so much.