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.
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