Leopards of Sabi Sands

[Tshokwane]

Credits to Steve Faulconbridge - SafariLive.

Cat Report: 31 March - 6 April

Hosana, the little chief, continues his movements crossing back and forth between

Djuma, Torchwood and Chitwa Chitwa. A possible cautionary play so as to avoid the
new male around Djuma, Hukumuri and other larger males to the South and East? Who
knows, however, he looks settled in these areas, following similar pathways to his
father, the Duke of Djuma, Tingana. Both cats having been seen together behind
Chitwa Dam, the older cat exerting his dominance merely through posturing. This is
not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last.

Tingana has been moving between Djuma and Chitwa in a similar fashion, not
roaming too far, spending his days in and around Chitwa lodge itself. Possibly a
cautionary play for the old Duke? Does he perhaps have another trick up his sleeve,
or has he taken his retirement to heart, set not to patrol his old lands or defend his
lineage? We have not seen this mighty leopard on a kill in some time. He has,
however, visited the the elephant carcass on more than one occasion, paying no
heed to the feeding hyena.

The Xidulu female seems set to claim a territory within Djuma, she was caught up in
a physical territorial dispute with another female leopard. The case is still open as to
who it may have been, as both Thandi and Shadow’s names were used in
describing the sighting. Nonetheless, amidst the blood and fur that covered the road
after the skirmish a new debutant to Djuma emerged onto the scene, sending the two
females scattering. The following morning Tristan got a very quick glimpse of Xidulu
as she nearly tackled a jackal before scampering off west into Simbambili.
A new young male entered the scene from the north amidst the aforementioned
territorial encounter between Thandi or was it Shadow and Xidulu? This new male
identified as Kwatile, meaning angry, originates from Ngala to the north. Kwatile is
easily recognized by his small stature - his size does not fit his apparent 4 years of
age. Does this small male pose any threat to the power of Hukumuri and is he
looking to stake a claim to the old Dukes territory? This very exciting new male did
not show any signs of scent marking, and did not remain for long. After a failed
attempt at a young warthog he moved off west into the sunset.
Hukumuri, whose eyes stir fear in the hearts of many, is likely responsible for the
movement and current dynamics within Djuma. This male leopard continues to roam
unchallenged, scent marking all the way through Djuma and beyond staking his
Claim.

 Tracks of a leopard cub have been found,
and we wait with bated breath these coming days for signs of Tlalamba.
Thandi was found patrolling the southern boundary of Djuma, walking with much
purpose and determination, scent marking where Hukumuri has left his mark. A
possible indication that her cub is no more? We are not sure, Tlalamba has not been
seen in a few weeks. Thandi’s efforts are either one of defiance against the incursion
by this new male or may be as a result of her coming into oestrus? However, her efforts may in
fact be as a result of the activity of the young Xidulu female, although the truth of that
altercation have yet to surface. Thandi does not appear injured in anyway which one
would expect after a physical altercation. Reply