Over the past few months, the territorial landscape around Londolozi has been quietly shifting. With the passing of the Nweti Male, the Nottens Male’s path has shifted and not in the way we initially expected, but in a direction defined by vacancies and opportunity.
Born 2021, mirrors father Nweti's presence. Young force showing remarkable confidence while navigating nomadic phase in southern territories
The Nottens Male, now approaching full maturity, has steadily moved further north and west. While early signs suggested he might attempt to settle deeper into the territory once occupied by his father, the consistent presence of the Maxims Male and the Mawelawela Male has influenced a different course.
The Maxim’s male is an absolute beast of a male leopard and commands an impressive territory.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
Maxims, being much larger and well-established, commands an impressive area across central and south-eastern parts of Londolozi. His regular patrols and scent-marking have created a clear boundary that any young male would think twice before challenging.
As a result, the Nottens Male has begun exploring the vacant areas of the reserve, specifically, the western section beyond the Londolozi Camps. This area has not had a resident dominant male since the Senegal Bush Male left us. Despite being rich in prey, thick riverine cover, and reliable water points, no male has properly held this territory in some time. It is an unusual gap, bordered by strong neighbouring males but remaining unclaimed.
And it is exactly this open space that the Nottens Male now seems to be trying out.
Recent tracks, scent marks, and sightings have shown him moving with increasing intent through these western parts of Londolozi. He is not simply passing through; he is investigating, patrolling, and beginning the early behaviours associated with territory establishment. For a young male under pressure from a dominant individual like Maxim’s, this westward shift is both practical and promising.
The Nottens Male rests in some shade on a hot afternoon
What makes this region even more significant is the presence of several well-known females. The Xinmungwe Female, the Xinkhova Female and the Nhlanguleni Female make frequent use of the area, moving through the drainage lines and marula crests that define the west. Their territories overlap sections of the very land the Nottens Male is beginning to explore. Should he manage to secure this territory as his own, these females represent strong potential mating opportunities and the possibility of establishing his first lineage.
That is often how new chapters begin in the leopard world, not through dramatic confrontation, but through subtle shifts as young males find the areas of land that offer resources and access to females. The west of camp has long held these ingredients, and it has simply lacked a male willing to take it since Senegal Bush Male.
For now, the Nottens Male appears well-positioned. If he continues to move with intent, mark consistently, and respond confidently to any challenges, he may soon carve out a territory of his own.
It is early days, and leopards rarely follow a predictable script. But the signs are encouraging. The western reaches of Londolozi may be on the verge of welcoming a new territorial male, and if so, the Nottens Male could be at the very beginning of a significant and exciting chapter in his life.
Exciting times! Staying tuned as ever.