The Leopards of Lebombo
Singita Lebombo is situated in the central parts of Kruger National Park, right on the Mozambiquan boarder. The 33,000-acre concession is characterised by the dominating features of the Lebombo mountain range. This dynamic landscape filters down into wide open basalt plains with intersecting nonperennial riverbeds. The tall chalk coloured bark of leadwood trees and deep purple seed pods of the purple-pod cluster leaf litter the terrain, creating the perfect habitat for leopards. Stealthy, territorial, and elusive, these once barely seen predators have now become a frequent sighting and we enjoy watching their stories unfold. I have chosen a few leopards that I’ve seen regularly to share:
Dumbana Female Spot Pattern 2:2
This Beautiful female is a very successful mother, having two male cubs approximately 16 months old. Her pink and black mottled nose and 2:2 spot pattern make it easy for us to recognise her. With a territory stretching along either side of the N’wanetsi river she takes full advantage of the riverine thickets, hunting the resident impala. One afternoon, just as dusk was setting in, we could hear the distant barking alarm calls of kudu. After some investigation, we located the Dumbana female walking briskly through the matted undergrowth. Turning and calling quietly, she ushered her one cubs to follow. With determination in her stride and a playful cub at her heal, she lead us over the river crossing and into the thickets. Turning every now and again to encourage her mischievous cub to keep up, we followed them on their journey. After a long trip through broken branches and tall grass, we found the reason for this persistent voyage…. Dinner!
Dumbana Female’s Cub Spot Pattern 1:1
The Dumbana female’s cubs are 16 month old twins. Both are not named yet as they are not old enough to hold their own territory and still rely heavily on mom’s successful hunting. Both cubs have pink noses which is typical of lion and leopard cubs. We’ve noticed some differences between each of the youngsters in personality and appearance. The first cub (on the left) has a 1:1 spot pattern. The spot pattern refers to the top line of black ‘freckles’ in which the whiskers appear from. This youngster also has glassy green/blue eyes and a very light coat. A playful yet at times cautious personality, we often find him playing with the Dumbana female leopard or climbing around a tree.
Dumbana Female’s Cub Spot Pattern 3:3
The Dumbana female’s second cub, with three top spots either side, has a much more adventurous personality. Appearing to be more comfortable away from mom, he’s been sighted stalking birds and wondering the terrain. With a darker coat and darker green eyes, this young handsome cub is sure to become a stunning adult.
Mhlangulene Female Spot Pattern 3:3
With pale green eyes and an elegant air, the Mhlangulene female is a beautiful and relaxed leopard. Skilled at hunting, we’ve viewed her several times with an impala kill. Recently we had the privilege of finding her with her two very young cubs, all feeding on the remains of an impala which had been hoisted in a marula tree. The confident and relaxed mother lay peacefully in the branches whilst the cubs played below. She proceeded to later drag the carcass down the trunk of the tree to feed to youngsters. Tracking them the following day we followed their paw prints leading to a nearby water hole and off back into the bush.
Mbiri Mbiri Male Spot Pattern 3:3
This strong, muscular young adult male leopard is usually seen in grasslands to the north of the concession. With a wide face and the beginnings of a dew lap (a lose fold of skin that hands under the neck) and a prominent small scar on his nose, we easily recognise this spotted indervidual. Mbiri Mbiri means Two Two in Shangaan, refurring to his 2:2 spot pattern. This male loves climbing trees and we’ve seen him many times enjoying the comfort of a jackleberry branch or apple leaf tree. A particularly exciting find was seeing him with a zebra foal kill hoisted in a leadwood tree.
