Leopard Directory

[Ngala]

From Mala Mala Game Reserve, 15 February 2016: Naming cats. Part one
Text: Dave Landey | Photographs: Dave Landey and Adi Stander

There are no fences between MalaMala and the Kruger National Park, which we share our entire eastern boundary with. It has been this way for over 20 years now. Occasionally, we will see unidentified animals on the property – some fairly briefly before they return back to whence they came, while others will remain and claim the area as their own.

A fairly recent example of this would be the Matshapiri pride – arriving not even a year ago, and already so well established in the area. Lions are not the only additions we have seen on the property within the last year however, we have had a few new leopards too. Of the fair number of unknown individuals seen, there are two which have been seen repeatedly. To the extent where we feel it is warranted that these individuals are named, accordingly.

The Accipiter male

*This image is copyright of its original author

This young male was initially seen around the central parts of the Matshapiri river, namely Emsagwen waterhole. We estimate that he is about 5 years old, judging by his impressive size and condition of his coat/physical appearance – which is excellent. The Accipiter male, has been seen virtually every month since April, 2015. We are most certain that this individual has immigrated from the Kruger National park, as he was unaccustomed to vehicles initially – thus, he was usually viewed from some distance. Over the months, with much careful driving and respect of the leopard’s personal space – he has grown in confidence and is now very comfortable with vehicles.

A majority of our earliest encounters with the Accipiter male were of him moving; through thick bush, over dry river beds. Getting to know the lay of the land. Photograph by ranger Adi Stander.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Posing briefly, in a magic guarri thicket, this eye level shot affords a good perspective to appreciate the Accipiter male’s heavy set frame. This image, coupled with the previous, are some of the first images taken of the Accipiter male. Photograph by ranger Adi Stander.

*This image is copyright of its original author

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