A Week in the Bush Vol. 525
on Nov 27, 2024It has been an incredible week of sightings of the big cats… We hope you enjoy this edition of our highlights blog…
A young male leopard has recently made his presence known at Sabi Sabi. This newcomer has been seen traversing the western sector, a territory dominated by the formidable Mawelawela male. Despite the challenges of finding his place in an already competitive landscape, his condition is impressive. He appears to be securing sufficient food and staying clear of danger, a testament to his growing survival skills. As he continues to navigate the perils of dispersal, his movements will be watched closely, offering a glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of a young leopard forging his path.
After discovering the remains of a zebra carcass, we followed the sound of leopard vocalisations and located Mawelawela and Ntsumi together once again, mating. We tracked the pair as they moved through a dense drainage line, eventually settling on a shaded termite mound under thick cover.
Both leopards, clearly well-fed, were panting heavily - a sign of both their full bellies and the oppressive heat of the day. The high temperatures added to their discomfort, prompting them to remain in the cooler, low-lying area. Here, they are likely to rest through the hottest hours before resuming their mating activities and movements once the temperatures begin to drop later in the afternoon.
Early morning revealed the newly named Mgiba female resting at the base of a termite mound. She perused the surrounding bush, panting after a long night on the hunt. Abruptly her panting stopped, her ears pricked, and body rose. Behind us a small herd of impala moved through the brush, her gaze was fixated on them and stealthily making her way to some nearby brush. The unsuspecting impala cautiously moved closer as they grazed on the freshly sprouted grass, the leopardess lay dead still waiting for the right moment to pounce. All seemed set until a change in the wind gave her away, the impala immediately alarm called as the leopard’s scent carried to their highly sensitive noses, and the hunt was over, her last for the day as the sun’s heat began to dominate the morning.
Later in the week, Mgiba made her way through the dense thickets, moving in a zigzag pattern under the warmth of the afternoon sun. She eventually settled down, remaining unnoticed as a hyena strolled past mere metres from her. Ensuring her safety, she stayed concealed in the tall grass, grooming herself while waiting for the light to soften and the temperature to cool before resuming her hunt. Hyenas often track the scent of leopards, opportunistically seeking to steal kills before they can be hoisted into the safety of the trees. This constant threat compels leopards to stay one step ahead of these persistent scavengers.
We found the young Kurhula female leopard just as she was about to hoist her kill up a Marula tree. She had successfully taken down a baby impala, and being a sub-adult, her playful nature was on full display. She repeatedly picked up the kill, ran with it, dropped it, and fetched it again, as if it were a toy. However, the arrival of hyenas forced her to act swiftly. Alert to the threat, she made the quick decision to hoist the kill out of their reach.
Young leopards are often highly playful, even with prey much larger than themselves - prey they know they cannot take down. This behaviour not only showcases their curiosity but also helps boost their confidence and sharpen their stalking skills, as they practice getting closer and surprising their targets.
Late afternoon, we located the Tengile female resting atop a termite mound. With the soaring temperatures, animals like her often seek relief by retreating to cooler, lower-lying areas or finding elevated spots where the breeze can help regulate their body temperature. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the heat began to drop, she became active. With the night ahead offering countless opportunities, she gracefully disappeared into the dense thickets, ready to embrace the possibilities of the evening.
We followed lion tracks for some time, carefully tracing their path, before spotting a large herd of buffalo in the distance. Sensing an opportunity, we decided to take a gamble, recalling the saying, "where there are buffalo, there are lions."
Our instincts proved correct. Arriving at the scene, we discovered the Southern Pride had successfully brought down a buffalo cow and were already feeding. We observed them quietly, captivated by the power and coordination that allowed them to secure such a large prey. After some time, the lions had their fill and the adult lionesses moved to the shade. This buffalo will provide a sustainable meal for the pride of ten. Lions are opportunistic hunters, but with such a large meal, they won’t need to hunt again for a few days, giving them a chance to rest and stay hidden from the oppressive heat.
While keeping an eye on the lions, we turned our attention to another fascinating sight: Band-winged signal flies perched on a nearby tree, busy laying eggs. Though not the most endearing creatures, these flies play an essential role in the ecosystem, particularly in the decomposition process. They seek out warm, moist, protein-rich environments - such as this buffalo carcass - for their eggs. Once hatched, the maggots feed on the flesh, accelerating its breakdown and making nutrients more accessible to other decomposers. Remarkably, their entire lifecycle, from egg to maggot to adult fly, can be completed in just two to three weeks.
As a thunderstorm rolled into the area, we decided to check on the Southern Pride, which had successfully taken down another buffalo before the rain arrived. When we reached the scene, the entire pride was still gathered around the kill, but their intense focus in a single direction caught our attention. Curious, we followed their gaze and were surprised to spot the young Styx male and a young Kambula lioness lying nearby, watching the Southern Pride intently. The pair appeared to be biding their time, waiting for the pride to move off so they could scavenge a share of the buffalo.
The situation was tense. With their cubs in tow, the Southern Pride faced a significant threat from the Styx male, who could potentially challenge them for the kill and in the process, endanger the cubs. Fortunately, the Southern Pride's matriarch stood her ground, firmly asserting dominance and making it clear that any attempt to approach the kill would not be tolerated. The two intruding lions wisely kept their distance, waiting patiently for an opportunity.
After a short follow up on the Southern Pride we managed to find them deeper south into our reserve where they were spread out across an open area trying to avoid the sunlight as temperatures were very high. These lions all still had full bellies from their buffalo meal and were just trying to digest their food while maintaining body temperatures.
We came across the Styx male resting in the shade near Earth Lodge, panting heavily. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that he, with the help of the Kambula lioness, had successfully taken down a buffalo, securing a substantial meal for them both. Vultures were already circling and gathering in the area, as the buffalo carcass had not been dragged beneath a tree canopy, leaving it exposed. This exposure is likely to attract the attention of scavengers and potentially other predators in the vicinity. As a result, these lions will need to remain vigilant, keeping a close eye on their surroundings to avoid being caught off guard by rival lions or other threats.
We picked up where we had left the Msuthlu Pride in the morning and were surprised to find them feasting on a fresh kill. They had successfully taken down two buffaloes and were just beginning to feed. The cubs, as usual, were full of energy, darting around and playing, while the females competed for space to access the buffalo carcasses.
Taking turns, some lions would go to drink water while others stayed behind to guard the kill against opportunistic vultures and lurking hyenas. Only one of the males was present with the pride, while his coalition partner was absent.
It is vital for the pride to continue providing for the cubs to ensure their successful upbringing and future survival.
We were lucky to find a small pack of wild dogs near Earth Lodge. With the soaring temperatures, the dogs sought relief by repeatedly dipping into a small mud wallow, cooling themselves down in preparation for a comfortable rest during the hottest hours of the day. Later in the afternoon, as the sun was setting, the pack became active again. True to their nature as diurnal predators, they set off on the move, keen to secure a meal before darkness fell.
From the kitchen at Little Bush Camp, we spotted an old elephant bull accompanied by two younger bulls. They were feeding on Knobthorn trees, which had been toppled during a recent storm. The old bull, with his massive tusks and weathered demeanour, seemed to lead the group, while the younger bulls followed closely, mimicking his movements. It was a moment that perfectly captured the untamed beauty of the bush.
It’s that time of year when impalas begin giving birth, and we were fortunate to witness this incredible process firsthand. Some impalas have already delivered their young, but we had the rare opportunity to watch a female give birth right in front of us. It was an extraordinary and emotional moment.
As the female lay down, a couple of hyenas lingered nearby, adding to the tension. Despite the looming threat, the impala remained calm and composed, showing no signs of vulnerability. Her quiet strength seemed to deter the hyenas, who eventually moved away.
We stayed to watch as the newborn took its first steps, managing to stand and walk within just 30 minutes or even less. It was a profound reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the challenges they face from the moment of birth.
Dwarf mongooses are the smallest African carnivores and live in small social groups. They are often spotted perched on top of termite mounds in the early mornings, soaking up the first rays of the sun to warm themselves before heading out to forage.
With its bright yellow bill and sharp eyes, the Yellow-billed oxpecker perches attentively on its host, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by keeping large mammals free of pests. This small but vibrant bird exemplifies the intricate balance and mutualism found throughout the bushveld.
We watched in awe as a massive herd of buffalo moved past us, heading toward a nearby watering hole. Buffaloes are highly water-dependent, requiring daily access to drink. This makes their movements predictable once you understand the area, as they travel between water sources while grazing along the way. These herds are typically led by a matriarch, known as the "pathfinder." She is often the oldest and most experienced female, guiding the group to the best grazing areas and reliable water sources.
This Southern yellow-billed hornbill was perched in a tree, with his mate not far away. The pair was engaged in a courtship display, as these monogamous birds form lifelong partnerships. Hornbills primarily feed on insects, and during the nesting period, the male takes on the crucial responsibility of providing food for the female. While incubating the eggs, the female seals herself inside a natural cavity for protection, relying entirely on the male to supply her with enough nourishment until the chicks hatch.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Devon Jansen, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero, Ruan Mey and Willie Woest
