There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
The Rock Drift Male was seen only once during the report period. He was hunting impala on the southern parts of the reserve.
February 2007
The Rock Drift Male leopard, widely known by guests as Tjololo was seen on one occasion in the south-eastern reaches of the reserve.
April 2007
The Rock Drift Male was seen twice during the month of April. On the first occasion he was seen looking well but getting a bit old. He killed a kudu during the evening but was not relocated the next morning. Being a nomadic male he now wanders all over Mala Mala and we suspect he spends a lot of time the Kruger National Park.
June 2007
The legendary Rock Drift male was found at the very end of the report period on the Charleston/Flockfield boundary in the centre of the reserve. He was followed excitedly by the rangers and was observed to hunt impala twice in the early evening, unfortunately unsuccessfully. It is really good to see this leopard still doing so well. He is one of the oldest male leopards in the reserve and has moved his territory out into the Kruger National Park, but he still visits Mala Mala when patrolling the western extent of his territory.
July 2007
This legendary leopard of MalaMala was seen late one evening on Zebra Skull North. He was only viewed for a short period of time before he was left moving east off the road. Rangers followed up extensively in the area the following morning without success. Interestingly, this male was seen in a similar region the previous month. He was seen again, later during the report period, in the upper reaches of the Tjellahanga River.
August 2007
The legend of MalaMala’s leopards the Rock Drift Male was seen twice during the month. He was looking fit and healthy on both occasions. This leopard is now over fourteen and hasn’t been territorial for a long time but still continues to show up and entertain many an excited guest and ranger.
September 2007
The Rock Drift male (Tjololo) was seen a number of times during the report period. The male was seen to dwell around the area of the giraffe that the Selati pride had killed, however he was not seen to feed. Sadly, the male was not in very good condition, with the male not only being very thin, but also sporting a large wound on his fore leg. One hopes that he will recover from his injuries.
October 2007
The Rock Drift Male was seen once during the report period as he moved through the central southern parts of the reserve. He was in good condition and still provides rangers with a rare appearance every now and then.
Rock Drift male leopard (Tjololo) – 13 November 2007
When rangers and staff of MalaMala arose on the morning of Tuesday the 13 November 2007, none would have guessed that the day was shaping up to be one of the darkest days in recent history. During the course of the morning a male leopard was found along the Campbell Road on the MalaMala western boundary. Tom Bloy went to investigate reports of this leopard being the Rock Drift male and that he had been badly injured by a porcupine. Tom found Tjololo lying just inside MalaMala and he was in a pretty bad way. He was emaciated and had many long porcupine quills projecting from his neck, shoulders, legs and feet. MalaMala’s policy is to never interfere in the natural order of the bushveld, however in this case an exception was made for a leopard that had manoeuvred his way into the hearts of many. The vets were called from the KNP and they decided to dart Tjololo and remove the quills and clean his wounds. Tjololo never regained consciousness. As the procedure neared its end, the antidote was administered and Tjololo took his last breath and did not stir again. The Rock Drift Male will be sorely missed by all those that knew him, both old and new, such was the distinction of this extraordinary leopard.
