Wild Dog
To our surprise the pack returned to the western sector briefly. They stuck to the eastern boundary and were on and off the property for three days before heading back east again. All the adults are looking good but another pup has been lost making it only 5 pups remaining. The remaining pups are however looking healthy as well and we certainly hope that they will venture towards the west again soon.
Mapogo and Ximungwe Pride
Ottawa Pride
The two young males from the Ottawa pride appear to have left the pride now and were seen on one occasion around the eastern parts of the concession. They were tailing the large herd of buffalo and were given a hard time as the herd chased them off every time they ventured too close. There were harder times to come however as their fathers, the Mapogo, caught wind of them and marched south during the night to chase the youngsters out of their territory. The two youngsters were split up in the chaos but managed to avoid a serious confrontation and eventually met up again to the east where they seem to be laying low.
Kashane Male Leopard, Savanna Female Leopard and Mobene Female Leopard
Kashane killed a young male impala and fed from it for a few days until the call of a female lured him south. We found him the next morning mating with an unidentified female that has been seen around Savanna Lodge a few times now and appears to be setting up territory in the area. The courtship was spectacular with Kashane having to leap on dismount to avoid the females wrath, but eventually she left him in the evening and he headed back to his kill. A few days later the mating pair were found again but this time they were also accompanied by the Mobene female from the east. The two females fiercely contended for Kashane's attention and actually came to blows at one point. The big male was unconcerned and mated with both, whichever was ready for him!
Shinzele Male Leopard and Mashiyambanje Male Leopard
The feud for the Sand River territory continues with Shinzele and Mashiyambanje frequently patrolling their respective banks of the river. On a few occasions they have crossed paths with much displaying and challenging. No physical fighting has been witnessed yet and for now they seem content to throw insults at each other from across the river.
Shinzele Male Leopard, Xikavi Female Leopard and Shangwa’s daughter
Shinzele was found north of the river on the scent of something which turned out to be a young female leopard with a kill. Being the dominant male he claimed the kill and finished it before the poor young females eyes. The female appeared to be Shangwa’s previous daughter who is not seen often at all, but her bad day continued as Xikavi arrived on the scene and chased the younger female off. Xikavi’s priority was the attention of Shinzele and he obliged as the two were left mating into the night. The following morning however the two had parted ways and Shinzele was found in the west while Xikavi was found going east. She stalked some bushbuck for a while and crossed the dry river giving us a fantastic view of a leopard in the open.
Shinzele Male Leopard and Hlabankunzi Female Leopard
On another morning Shinzele was found yet again on the scent of something. He was very intent and took landrovers on a great adventure as he jogged through dongas and thick bush. We managed to keep up with him and finally discovered that it was Hlabankunzi that he was after. As he got closer he stalked her without her knowing and suddenly burst after her, sending her scampering up a tree. Satisfied that he had asserted his dominance he sauntered. Hlabankunzi came down the tree and followed him in the hope that he would mate as she continues to try and replace her two deceased daughters.
Ndlevane Male Leopard and Hlabankunzi Female Leopard
Ndlevane, like the other male leopards in the area, has been quite preoccupied recently with females trying to court. On this occasion Hlabankunzi sniffed him out as he fed on a nyala carcass. The big male was typically irate with the presence of the vehicles so we did not see him much but had a fantastic experience as we sat in the dark and listened to the noises of the courting leopards and two hyenas harassing them.
Ndlevane Male Leopard and Metsi Female Leopard
Metsi seems to have officially sent her cubs into independence. Both are still alive with the more relaxed one hanging around Ulusaba and the less relaxed one sticking to the south. This was confirmed when Metsi was found in the company of Ndlevane who again had a kill, this time a female Kudu, and was no doubt looking forward to a relaxed feed when Metsi turned up. She would not leave the male alone and he eventually obliged as the two were seen courting over the course of following three days.
Bushlodge Male Leopard
This young up and coming male was seen frequently as he continues to try and squeeze in a territory between Ndlevane and Kashane. Typical of his very relaxed nature he provided great quality sightings and fantastic photographic opportunities. He did also manage to catch a bushbuck which he fed on for two days.
Hlangisa Female Leopard and Metsi Female Leopards cub
Hlangisa appears to be very troubled at the moment as she spent the best part of the last two weeks pacing the southern and western fencelines. On a few occasions she tested the electric fence which effectively persuaded her to remain in the park, but it is concerning to see that she is struggling to compete for a territory in the western sector. On one occasion she came across Metsi’s less relaxed son on the southern fenceline who also seems to be struggling with his new found independence. The two stared at eachother but did not seem to know what to do as their current predicament and inexperience showed.
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