http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/ The Leopard Hills Weblog contains ranger reports, stories, photos & videos describing the experience at our 5 Star Luxury Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park. en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 � Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.leopardhills.com/blog//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/ http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=611 Sunrise this morning brought the Selati Coalition here and lit up the first awe inspiring vocal exhibition by the 4 young guns at the lodge, spoiling our guests and awakening staff members with their thunderous roars.

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Turn up the volume for a performance by 2 of the brothers that certainly lives up to their notorious predecessors (The legendary Mapogo) possibly even outdoing the old men!



What makes this so impressive is that they are scent marking and highly mobile while bellowing out earth shattering roars at the same time!
]]> General http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=611 Sun, 13 May 2012 14:28:46 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=609 One of the Selati Males was seen mating with one Lioness during the day, then had a moment of mating with another Lioness immediately after he had mated with her pride member. While mating with this Lioness, he kept a close eye on the other Lioness, making sure she doesn’t go too far.

After mating numerous times, the One Male and Three Lionesses listened to the remaining Selati Coalition members roaring a couple of hundred meters away.
The Lionesses jumped up and rushed over to the other Males – with the mating Male only managing to keep the One Lioness from heading over to them.

After the two Lionesses met up with the other Three Males – they ran straight towards the mating pair.

Two of the Males went further South towards the Sand River and the One Male and Lioness joined up with the 2 Lions – with very little interaction as he stood his ground and decided not to approach his brother with the Lioness.

Following the Lions running through the darkness was quite an experience – a bit bumpy as we tried to keep up to them to see the interaction.
As with the radio talk, you can hear where the other two males were. During the time we were following the Male and Female approaching the mating pair – all the lions were within a couple hundred meters away from each other.




]]> Game Drives http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=609 Sat, 12 May 2012 15:35:46 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=607 DayOne Male Leopard vocalisingThe Selati Coalition killed a buffalo in the Sand River, which offered some great viewing when some feathered scavengers tried to get their share of the kill.
The Males where spread in the white sand of the river, with the one Male not taking his eyes off the remains of the Buffalo








DayOne Male Leopard’s tracks went straight towards Leopard Hills during a morning drive, but he was nowhere to be found. Late that evening he started vocalising – sounded like he was either in the Lodge or nearby. To our surprise he was lying next to the watering hole which the Lodge overlooks. With a bit of tall grass, DayOne vocalised one last time before getting some rest after a long night of calling.

Enjoy the footage – turn up the sound for this Leopard vocalising!

]]> Game Drives http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=607 Fri, 11 May 2012 10:01:42 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=605
That same afternoon, Hlaba Nkunzi met up with Kashane not too far from Leopard Hills. She was seen following him and presenting herself to him. The next day they were nowhere to be found, which left quite a bit of uncertainty if she had succeeded.




There was no doubt about them mating when they showed themselves the day after - enjoy the footage!





For a larger version of the video:
http://youtu.be/LJkHDtYS9sw





For a larger version of the video:
http://youtu.be/L1FX_kLtZxA]]> Game Drives http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=605 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:48:59 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=603
The last evening rays warm an ancient Jackalberry shared with a troop of baboons.
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Leopards

Hlaba Nkunzi

Early April saw her perseverance and alluring advances finally pay off and she was seen mating with Dayone male in the west of her territory close to Leopard Hills. See video of her trying persistently to win him over.

She has, as always, spoiled us with sporadic visits through the lodge area, one evening even deciding to parade right through reception.
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She has also been shadowing the Kashane male around in the east of her territory and we have just had word that they were confirmed to have mated! Hopefully some video and images of the pair will follow soon on the blog.

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Thlangisa

Again our most viewed and photographed leopard in April! She just has a knack of turning up at the right moment, delighting our guests time and time again with her playful nature and sometimes not so cat like somewhat non lady like poses. See image below.
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So this is how a leopard is supposed to drape herself in a tree….seems more comfortable!
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So often hopping around for a better perspective high up Marula trees.
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Sometimes just soaking up the warming winter rays!
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It is hard to believe when observing her zesty playful nature that she is now 3 years of age! This has brought about the associated territorial behaviour from her! See video of her scent marking and stretching her body fully to mark bushes with her cheek glands and increase the impression of her size. She does seem to have claimed a seemingly unoccupied area north west of Leopard Hills (See blue on female territorial map below)

Metsi

Very few sightings of her this month, her low profile is possibly due to her searching for den sites or possibly even denning already, somewhere quiet and secluded.

Xikavi

This experienced attractive female had no trouble luring Kashane over and was mating with him in her south eastern territory towards month end. She did eventually follow him far south outside of her normal territory as he continued patrolling.
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Shangwa

Shangwa and her sub adult male cub are still together periodically although he does spend much time on his own now as he approaches independence at 16 months old.

An interesting family encounter occurred when Shangwa and the sub adult male had an impala kill stashed up a Marula Tree.

With the two leopards moving between trees around the kill as a couple of hyenas lurked underneath there was a moment of uncertainty when a third leopard appeared!A young female from Shangwa's previous litter, she darted up the tree and claimed the impala as her own while Shangwa and the young male just watched her feed with their own full bellies.

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Female Territorial Map Update
Not much change, very stable territories. Thlangisa causing a little bit of trouble with the older females but seems to have settled on her niche for now!
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Kashane

His imperious presence has been enjoyed far more this month as he has pushed further west along the Sand river than usual, seemingly expanding his territory in this direction. There are probably 2 reasons for this! Firstly the lack of a big dominant male marking in the area since Xhinzele’s departure, Dayone male doesn’t seem to go as far east as Xhinzele used to. The other reason being that the 2 females in the area are coming into oestrus, Xikavi and Hlaba Nkunzi.

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Dayone
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As he grows in stature more time is spent exploring the north up towards the Sand river, a veritable leopard magnet due to prey abundance and no doubt the higher density of females!
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Apart from again earning the attentions of a number of females during the month in his expanding territory, this unwelcome onlooker below is one he needs to be weary of.
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Male Territorial Map Update
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Leopards Video April



Lions

It is astounding to see the repercussions that the death of 1 dominant male lion (Short Maned Mapogo) can have on the lion dynamics and stability in a given area. His honourable death has rippled across the Sabi Sand and affected every single lion in some way or another! There is understandably an uneasiness and tension amongst the male coalitions, female prides and their vulnerable cubs alike! The Tug-of-War between coalitions has been extraordinary recently and will continue engrossing us for some time until stability prevails and females and cubs can breathe a little easier!

We will focus on our western traversing area but would like to touch on what is going on east of us due to the potential ripple effect!

See updated map below of approximate territories/locations of the coalitions and prides as they currently stand. The Majingilane Coalition who are in their prime at roughly 7 years of age are stronger than ever and seemingly content with their large territory and the 4 prides of females that they control (Tsalala, Sparta, Styx & Fourways).

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The 2 older yet powerful and confident Kruger males are content in the far south with the Southern Pride while the 6 Matimbas (5-6 yrs) are settled with most of their territory and prides being north in the Manyeleti. There are however rumours of a huge coalition of young males 10+ residing in the north of the Manyeleti which may push the Matimbas south in the near future, encroaching on Majingilane territory!

The 2 remaining Mapogo have apparently met the 2 Kruger males and been chased off, they seem to be currently residing in a quieter area in the south where there is little male lion activity.

Selati Coalition
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The victorious young Selati males (4-4 and a half years) have claimed the esteemed western sabi sands which boasts 2 prides of lionesses! The prize trophy for them being the 4 experienced and strong Ximhungwe females plus the 3 Othawa females.

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These inexperienced males haven’t had it all their own way and are still finding their feet while they go about scent marking and entrenching themselves in their newly acquired territory. A couple of buffalo kills occupied them for the month while they seem to have given the wily Ximhungwe females and their cubs a break for now…

Ximhungwe pride
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On the run, ready for anything the young boys throw at them these females sure do have strength and character accumulated from all the years and experience they gained dealing with the volatile Mapogo males!

Here is one of the older cubs (15 months now) feeding on a kudu bull.
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The youngest cub (9 months) showing lots of character after an arduous month!
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Othawa Pride

All 3 lionesses were seen together this month which is wonderful news as the whereabouts of the 3rd lioness was uncertain for some time. The litter of 4 young cubs hasn’t been seen and has most likely been destroyed by the Selati males, unless they are very well hidden far in the north!

Lions Video April

Not much video of the lions this month but here is a little to wet the appetite.


Painted Dog Pack

The pack of 9 were here in the west hunting for a few days during mid month and 2 of the females (Alpha & Beta females) are believed to be heavily pregnant. They will be looking for den sites, we are holding thumbs that they choose somewhere close by again this year.

Elephants

Very large parades have abounded this month all over our traversing area as well as a number of bachelor groups. A few mature old bulls, some of them in musth, have also graced us with their colossal presence!

Here is one such heavyweight crossing the Sand river.
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Buffalo
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The large obstinancy has been seen periodically in the south while a number of “Daggboys” have been lurking close to the lodge for the entire month. A memorable encounter with one such specimen was enjoyed on a walking trail with 2 guests.

This image below taken from the Land Rover during the month is similar to what confronted us and accelerated our heart beats into overdrive! Underpants all had to be checked upon arriving back at camp, adrenaline still flowing.
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Jokes aside these are formidable animals and arguably the most dangerous to encounter on foot in Africa. We won’t generally approach these animals as they are volatile but this sighting was very safe due to the circumstances.

We picked up signs of him well before seeing him in an open area and proceeded to watch him for a while from a safe distance before he picked up our scent and raised his head. All the time he had an escape route available should he choose to flee and we backed off quietly and left him in the same position!

Interesting sightings in April

Warmth is a priority for a business of Dwarf mongooses on chilly winter mornings, the warmest stump in the area becomes prime real estate!
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An unusually relaxed Burchell’s Coucal sunning itself and allowing us the opportunity to see the detail of it’s large robust bill.
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These birds are voracious predators ambushing other birds and small mammals! A treat to see one in the open as they are usually clambering around in bushes and long grass using their long hallux claw for support. Interestingly the chicks can clamber around bushes long before they can fly!
]]> Rangers Reports http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=603 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:02:13 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=601





Video Footage taken by Libbi and Chris Wilson - Awesome, thanks!




]]> Game Drives http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=601 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:55 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=597

Slowly approaching with a lot of caution, this Hyena never gave up and kept coming closer until the Leopards moved a little further away – as they had no interest in his curiosity.

Moments later, while Tlangisa was presenting herself to DayOne, the Hyena approached again,this time with a lot more speed, sending Tlangisa leaping into a tree and DayOne up the bank of the riverbed.

With no interest in Tlangisa, DayOne went into a thicket just up the bank and Tlangisa followed in hot pursuit. This left the Hyena alone on the sand and he spent some time trying to pick up sent of any food that the leopards might have left behind – with no success.




Great audio of DayOne growling at Tlangisa female with commentary from Eric – clearly supporting the Hyena in his second attempt.


]]> Game Drives http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=597 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:37:02 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=595 Image Title

Leopards

Hlaba Nkunzi

The last year has been a really trying period for her, 2 litters of cubs sadly lost mostly due to instability among the male leopards in the area. Her previous cub may have been killed by a scavenging hyaena, the Ravenscourt female leopard , another male leopard or even lions…we will never know.

In this image taken a few days ago one can sense the fatigue in her expression. This was taken after we presume she had a territorial encounter with the Ravenscourt female who is territorial east of her, see the injury on her right ear.
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We hypothesise that Hlaba Nkunzi is pushing further east due to the commanding presence and protection provided by the Kashane male over there.

She still needs to look after her western territory near Leopard Hills and has been following the Dayone male around for the latter part of the month, presenting herself to him seemingly to no avail! See below image of his disinterested body language. Let’s hope he has already given in to her charms or does so soon! See video highlights.
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Thlangisa

As usual she has provided us with many wonderful sightings during the month, high up trees, atop termite mounds…next to waterholes! The list goes on! She is scent marking more regularly and has claimed the small but vacant territory north west of Leopard Hills.
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Metsi

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With Hlaba Nkunzi spending more time east and not marking here as frequently, Metsi has seized the opportunity of pushing in from the west! She has been seen numerous times very close to the lodge, possibly searching for den sites as she was mating with the Dayone male early in the month and could be pregnant.

There may some disputing over this prime location between these 2 experienced females sometime soon.

Here she is mating with Dayone.
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Xikavi

This stunning yet elusive female creates much excitement when she is located in her riverine habitat, here is a rare sighting of her rolling over out in the open.
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Shangwa

She has been located a couple of times in the far north east, still with her sub adult male cub on most occasions.

Kashane

Towards month end he has patrolled frequently on the western side of his expansive territory. This is most likely due to both the Hlaba Nkunzi and Ravenscourt females coming into oestrus. See video for interesting behavioural footage of him performing the Flehmen Grimace and then calling and scent marking to attract one of these females.
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Dayone

He has taken over Xhinzele’s previous territory which has proved to be tiresome work for a young male… at least 4 females have flung themselves at him this month (Metsi, Hlaba Nkunzi, Dam 3 and even the youthful Thlangisa is trying her luck) See video of this fascinating behaviour.

Now much bigger, stronger and more self assured let’s hope that he remains territorial here for some time to come! Whether he is confident enough to hold his own against rival males remains to be seen.
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Still no sign of Xhinzele or Mashiabanje in the north, there are however tracks of a big male up there, could be one of them…

Leopard March Video highlights



Lions (Lion dynamics and behaviour and then some!)

End of an Era! Last stand of the Mapogo Coaliton!

The defining moment had to come, speculation as to how and when has dominated conversation around dinner tables and campfires in recent weeks.

Every epic tale must build up and deliver a scintillating finale and the story of arguably the most acclaimed and notorious coalition of male lions ever documented to prowl Africa certainly did!

Here is a captivating image taken by Hannes in 2007 of 5 of the Mapogo during their heyday.
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The 4 challengers a few days before the confrontation!
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After their brief encounter with the 4 Selati (Southern) males a few weeks ago when the weakest Mapogo member was slightly injured, the dynamic changed and a follow up encounter involving the coalitions was imminent.

Was it the Ximhungwe lioness mating with the Selati males a month ago and giving them a taste of the trophy at stake? Was it a sudden a weakness detected in the weaker Mapogo male? What is certain is that a number of factors led to the showdown and heart wrenching culmination on the morning of March 16th!

Our guests have been privileged enough to witness both sides of the story evolve over the past week.

Firstly the youngsters moving in, strengthening their coalition bond, scent marking all over the Mapogo’s northern territory. It was almost as if they were preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontation.

See video below of the young males in the days building up to the 16th!



Meanwhile the 3 Mapogo were occupied and content with a large buffalo kill in the south that kept them busy for days.

On the morning of the 16th when we received the radio message “we have audio of lions fighting in the south”, we knew it was on! The initial message was relayed as 3 Mapogo’s have isolated a young male, this is what we expected…what we wished to be for the proud old men we had known and revered for so long!

On arrival on the scene to see the tables turned was unforeseen, shocking…it took us all some time to grasp what was unfolding in front of us. We expected all 3 Mapogo’s to stand their ground and rise to the challenge!

The old boxing adage “You’re only as good as your last fight” certainly holds true! It was the veteran gladiator that stood up to be counted and fought admirably for his territory, his offspring, his lionesses and ultimately his livelihood as a male lion!
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Video of the defining moment.



Without a territory is he not a male lion? He would rather die defending his pride than live out his existence as a castigated nomad, whatever your thoughts are on the short maned Mapogo and there are many contrasting opinions! He will always be respected and remembered for his character and fearlessness.

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An afternoon thunderstorm rose eerily and saturated the bloodstained earth, washing away the Mapogo bloodline and unveiling an exciting new era.

The fate of the remaining Mapogo cubs hangs precariously in the balance, they will most likely be killed! We are however excited about new beginnings and some stability for the Ximhungwe pride under the Selati males.

The 2 remaining Mapogo have been seen infrequently since the takeover and are keeping a very low profile. Their existence will now be a struggle for survival with limited hunting ability and strong young coalitions looking to eliminate them from all sides.

Below images are of content looking Mapogo on their buffalo kill a mere 2 days before it all ended.
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Ximhungwe pride rally together

The 4 Selati males had been on the scent of the Ximhungwe pride for over a week! What they didn't bargain on was the maternal instinct and teamwork of 4 united lionesses that are prepared to put it all on the line to protect their cubs.

10 days ago both the males and lionesses were within 2 kilometers of each other far up in the north. During the night the lionesses must have picked up the males in hot pursuit and high tailed it south for over 10 kilometers.

In the morning the lionesses were located right on the southern fence line with their 4 exhausted cubs trotting heavy legged behind them. One of the males hadn’t given up while his weary brothers couldn’t take the pace. He was very close, within 500m of them and it was remarkable to observe his acute sense of smell as he trailed them until he finally caught sight of them.

The lionesses were left with no choice and rallied together.

Enjoy the images and video below.
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Pride takeovers are a lengthy sequence of events and the lionesses have won the first battle but we feel a confrontation with all 4 males is inevitable. We will keep you all posted!

Selati Coalition

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Strong, imposing, growing in stature and confidence by the day, these 4 handsome males are really looking the part as dominant, territorial male lions.

We are busy trying to establish if there is clear a dominance hierarchy amongst the 4! It seems the bolder male with the short lighter coloured mane who confronted the lionesses on his own takes the lead much of the time. He did so in the fight with the Mapogo and then again with lionesses, one of the males is also older by a few months and is sporting a darker more developed mane. Their ages are roughly between 4 and 4 and a half years old.
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Specialist buffalo hunters

Schooled in the south east, roughly 40 kilometres away from here, amongst the herds of buffalo along the Sabie river, these males are experts at confronting the most formidable prey species Africa has to offer, head on!

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We were privileged to witness the below sequence along the Sand river a few days ago, most likely their first buffalo kill here in the west.
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Othawa Pride

One of the 2 lionesses unveiled her litter of 8 week old cubs to us during the beginning of the month, 4 of them in total. (See pictures below and video)

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One of her den sites was discovered in the far north but this was short lived as the 4 Selati males entered the area on the rampage and forced the lioness to rush them far towards the east to safety somewhere. The lioness is moving the little ones a lot to try and keep them safe and we have only seen tracks in the last week.

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More video highlights of the incredible lion behaviour witnessed this month



Painted Dog Pack

The pack is apparently faring well in the east, the Alpha pair were reportedly mating during the month and are possibly searching for den sites or even denning already. After being spoilt with a den site this time last year we can only hope they select a suitable termite mound den on our traversing area again to raise their pups!

Elephants

Parades abound and are relishing the feast before the onset of winter and the pickings become a little scarcer.

Buffalo

The massive herd has been in the south for most of the month, they lost an experienced member to the 3 Mapogo for the last time in mid March, now they have to contend with the formidable Selati males. Fascinating times lie ahead as we will continue to observe one of the ancient ongoing duels of Africa, now just starring new contenders.

Interesting sightings in March

Let’s not forget the little nocturnal mammals, an amazing sighting of a relaxed lesser bush baby during the month.
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Female dwarf mongoose babysitter carrying a young one to safety. The sub ordinate females look after the Alpha female’s offspring.
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Along with other Intra African migrants, the cuckoos are beginning their migration, this rare sighting of an African Cuckoo in the open was probably due to a stop over for a rest on it’s way north!
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]]> Rangers Reports http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=595 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:39:32 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=593
In the morning the lionesses were located right on the southern fence line with their 4 exhausted cubs trotting heavy legged behind them.

One of the males hadn’t given up while his weary brothers couldn’t take the pace. He was very close, within 500m of them and it was remarkable to observe his acute sense of smell as he trailed them until he finally caught sight of them.

The lionesses were left with no choice and rallied together.

Enjoy the images and video below.

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Pride takeovers are a lengthy sequence of events and the lionesses have won the first battle but we feel a confrontation with all 4 males is inevitable. We will keep you all posted!
]]> General http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=593 Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:54:53 +0200 http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=591
Here is a captivating image taken by Hannes in 2007 of 5 of the Mapogo during their heyday.
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The 4 challengers a few days ago before the confrontation!
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After their brief encounter with the 4 Selati(Southern) males a few weeks ago when the weakest Mapogo member was slightly injured, the dynamic changed and a follow up encounter involving the coalitions was imminent.

Was it the Ximhungwe lioness mating with the Selati males a month ago and giving them a taste of the trophy at stake? Was it a sudden a weakness detected in the weaker Mapogo male? What is certain is that a number of factors led to the showdown and heart wrenching culmination on the morning of March 16th!

Our guests have been privileged enough to witness both sides of the story evolve over the past week.

Firstly the youngsters moving in, strengthening their coalition bond, scent marking all over the Mapogo’s northern territory. It was almost as if they were preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontation.

See video below of the young males in the days building up to the 16th!



Meanwhile the 3 Mapogo were occupied and content with a large buffalo kill in the south that kept them busy for days.

On the morning of the 16th when we received the radio message “we have audio of lions fighting in the south”, we knew it was on! The initial message was relayed as 3 Mapogo’s have isolated a young male, this is what we expected…what we wished to be for the proud old men we had known for so long!

On arrival on the scene to see the tables turned was unforeseen, shocking…it took us all some time to grasp what was unfolding in front of us. We expected all 3 Mapogo’s to stand their ground and rise to the challenge!

The old boxing adage “You’re only as good as your last fight” certainly holds true! It was the veteran gladiator that stood up to be counted and fought admirably for his territory, his offspring, his lionesses and ultimately his livelihood as a male lion!

Image Title

Video of the defining moment.



Without a territory is he not a male lion? He would rather die defending his pride than live out his existence as a castigated nomad, whatever your thoughts are on the short maned Mapogo and there are many contrasting opinions! He will always be respected and remembered for his character and fearlessness.

Image Title

An afternoon thunderstorm rose eerily and saturated the bloodstained earth, washing away the Mapogo bloodline and unveiling an exciting new era.

The fate of the remaining Mapogo cubs hangs precariously in the balance, they will most likely be killed! We are however excited about new beginnings and some stability for the Ximhungwe pride under the Selati males.
]]> General http://www.leopardhills.com/blog/index.php?itemid=591 Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:08:42 +0200