LH Focus Online, Author at Leopard Hills

It’s Still Getting Better!

Posted on 13 August 2013 by LH Focus Online

The journey to Leopard Hills always seems to last a lifetime, such is the excitement and anticipation of what may be….

On a personal note, I spent much time enroute, thinking of the past. Mambirri long gone, yet her offspring, Thlangisa, still around to take one’s breath away. The mighty Mapogos also a part of history, and given due credit, one cannot believe anything else than the fact that they are amongst the most famous (infamous) and fantastic Lions ever to roam the wild. Hlaba Nkunzi’s lost cubs, but the knowledge she had another. Then the people I would miss, and those who have left. Marius, Shane, Gary and Dave, amongst others. Not only were the names and faces of the animals and people changing, the lodge itself was changing. What would the 3 days hold,….?

I arrived at the lodge, and checked into one of the renovated rooms. All I can say is that they are truly splendid. A grand mix of modern comforts, yet bursting with African authenticity. Shortly after settling in, I met Jeanne (jammer, ek weet nie hoe om die kappie op “e” to sit nie) who was to be my guide for most of my stay. Refreshments before afternoon safari were served, then the adventure truly began. The moment where looking through Mother Nature’s glass window is broken, the vehicle roars to life and the talented team of guides take you far beyond the pane of inquisitiveness and question. They take you into the middle of Africa’s heartbeat, where you no longer become a distant observer, but a part of it, and your own heart beats a little faster… On that very first drive, it was not only the game viewing vehicle roaring in the African bushveld…

Jeanne decided to head North of Leopard Hills, which is a stunning part of the reserve. Tracking Lion from the morning, he had his work cut out being only one of two vehicles in the area. It was not long before we found a Selati Male Lion, separated from his coalition and lying nicely in an open clearing. Jeanne made the call that the Selati male would probably be a bit more active later, so we would return to the location and head off in search of other animals in the meantime. Great call on his behalf. He managed to get a sighting of the Tai Dam male Leopard, who really is a magnificient animal. Young, yet solid, and not that shy of vehicles. I hope he finds himself a spot of territory in the area. Returning to the Selati Male Lion later was a pure treat, as he flexed his vocal chords in an attempt to relocate his mates.

Selati Roar
[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Selati-Roar.m4v[/FMP]

Here are a few photos from that very first drive.

As usual, Leopard Hills put on a display of wildlife that well and truly leaves one speechless. I went on safari with both Jeanne and Johan, both of whom produced sightings, which will forever be etched in my memory. I personally had an endearing moment watching Hlaba Nkunzi and her cub. She is as much a part of Leopard Hills as the wonderful staff, and I am sure I am not the only one hoping that her cub will grow to maturity and find a territory, to claim as her own, which will not be far from the lodge. The interaction between herself, her cub and the sire thereof, the Khashane male, was rather intense while “sharing” a kill.

There were countless special moments on this trip, none more that seeing the Xhimhungwe cubs playing at dusk, while being observed by a Giraffe, as well as basking in winter sunlight during the day on my final safari drive. They are just the cutest little things.

Indeed this is a very special place, and one where words will seldom do it justice, so here’s to hoping the attached photos will do the job. Lastly, was what I considered to be the ultimate game of Chess. Two of the big boys in Leopard Hills, Kashane and Day One male square off a mere 50 meters from each other. Low guttural vocalizing, and intense stares from both of them, as they expressed their disgruntlement with each other’s presence.

Without dragging the incredible trip out any further, here are 3 special, symbolic memories, while soaking up the experience that is Leopard Hills. What would Africa be without Elephants? Where would the laughs be without the comical interaction of Mongooses, and where would the action be, without the energy of Wild Dog? Elephants being us loafing visitors, the busy Mongooses representing the ever busy and highly entertaining staff, (thanks B for your running around, highly appreciated!!) and the Wild Dogs in management, always active to ensure the well being of “The Den” which is Leopard Hills.

Duncan, to you and your amazing team, thanks again for cherished memories. You really have plucked a part of Heaven, and placed it firmly on Earth. And while I contemplated the old and new on the way up, so I did again on the way back, and can only conclude that Leopard Hills not only remains as spectacular as ever, it just gets better!!

To everyone atop “The Hill” I extend my kindest regards, thanks and best wishes.

Cheers, Drew

Ranger’s Report July 2013

Posted on 31 July 2013 by LH Focus Online

As the month of July comes to a close we have a chance to reflect on all that has happened out in the bush.

With the Ximhungwe pride spending most of their time north of the Sand River, they have not been seen that often. They did however come down south for a couple of days onto Leopard Hills property before heading back North. All members of the pride, including the remaining six cubs are all doing very well, with the adults taking good care of them. The Selati males were also seen spending time with the whole pride.

The Othawa pride has been providing us and our guests with some amazing sightings with both adults and cubs being very playful. The Selati males have also been spending time and bonding with their cubs. All eight of the cubs are very healthy.

For most of the month the Selati coalition was a bit separated from each other, with very few sightings of all four brothers being together. They seem to be patrolling a lot and making sure their territory and their cubs are safe from intruders. They did also spend time with both the Ximhungwe and Othawa pride, which is a good sign for the future of the cubs.

The Southern pride did not spend as much time in the Western Sector this month, with only three of them making a Buffalo kill at the beginning of the month and leaving soon thereafter.

The Sparta and Tsalala males have also been sneaking into the Selati territory unseen as true nomads, only spending a day or two before leaving again.

With it being winter and the bush being more open Dayone tends to be walking straight through the blocks and not using the roads that often making it a bit more difficult for us to track him. Once he is found the sighting is great as always with him continuing on his way as if we weren’t even there.

If we take a look into the past, we will see the storm that was brewing between Dayone and Kashane every time they met on their boundary lines. This month it went a bit further than just the growling as they went for each other causing some injuries to both, but luckily nothing serious. Kashane also gave our guests quite a show when he made a Warthog kill right in front of them.

The Nyeleti male was not seen too much this month, still spending most of his time more to the East.

We were delighted to find the young Ravenscourt male in the Western Sector this month. As some of you will remember he is the male cub of the Ravenscourt female that she so bravely protected from the Nyeleti male. It seems that he is doing well being on his own and independent.

The young Tai Dam male was also seen a couple of times up in the North this month.

It seems that Hlaba Nkunzi and her cub are spending more time closer to her original territory close to Leopard Hills. Both of them have been giving the Leopard Hills guests some spectacular sightings with her cub playing around and having fun in trees.

Metsi is still hiding her cub away and sightings are few and far between. Close to the end of the month we were lucky enough to spend some time with both of them and even got to see her make a Scrub hare kill and the cub having fun with it.

The playful Thlangisa has been making more appearances this month, patrolling and scent marking her territory.

The young male Cheetah only spent a day or two in the Western Sector this month.

Once again this month the Hyena den provided us with a lot of entertainment. All the pups are very playful and the older ones tend to bully the younger ones a bit, as it is in most families.

We have been seeing a lot of the Wild Dogs this month, with the pack of nine sometimes moving very quickly through the whole Western Sector making kills as they go. It seems with the pack spending so much time in the West that they might even den here.

With the updates above we definitely do not forget about the other animals that also provide us all with so much pleasure in viewing them.

And for all our birders out there, we have surely not forgotten about you either.

By looking back at the sightings for the month, we come to realise just how privileged we are to be out in the bush and be able to view all these wonderful animals in their natural environment. As the Sun sets on another African day we look forward to what the next might hold. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for daily updates.

Written by Hugo Breed

Kashane Warthog Kill

Posted on 7 July 2013 by LH Focus Online

This morning Leopard Hills guests were treated to a special sighting of the Kashane male Leopard making a warthog kill. It all started with Kashane sleeping on top of a termite mound with no one even imagining seeing a kill. Then all of a sudden a warthog appeared from the burrow inside the mound and Kashane was ready and waiting. Leopard Hills Ranger Raymond Mahatlani got these photos and some amazing footage of all the action.

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/KashaneKill.flv[/FMP]

Ranger’s Report June 2013

Posted on 5 July 2013 by LH Focus Online

June has been a superb month, with a lot of sightings and beautiful scenes, leaving us and our guests in awe. There has also been some ups and downs as nature took its course.

The Ximhungwe pride moved a lot during this month and even crossed the River to go a bit North. Unfortunately for the last couple of weeks one of the cubs has been missing, leaving us to suspect the worst. One of the Females also turned up injured but has since recovered. The remaining Six cubs are very healthy.

Eight Othawa cubs are doing great and getting adventurous. They were found feeding on a hippo carcass with theSelati Males. Some of the Selati Males was also mating with the Female without cubs.

The Four Selati brothers are doing a good job of patrolling and protecting their territory. Two of the brothers sniffed out an Impala kill made by the Othawa females and stole what was left. After the Othawa pride found a Hippo carcass, both the males and cubs fed simultaneously, which is a very good sign for the future of the cubs.

Ten of the Southern pride was in and out of the Western Sector this month, not spending too much time in the area, and luckily avoiding the other prides. At the end of the month they managed to take down a Buffalo on the Southern part of the Western Sector.

The Sparta and Tsalala males also didn’t spend too much time in the Western Sector, trying to make a Buffalo kill very close to where the Selati Males also made a Buffalo kill. They have left the area and went back to the South East without incident.

Dayone has been his usual confident self, patrolling his territory and making kills along the way. He was also found mating with Xikavi.

Kashane is such a regal and beautiful male and still keeps his territory more to the East. Hlaba Nkunzi and her cub also shared a Kudu kill with him.

Hlaba Nkunzi has been moving all over her territory trying to make kills for her and her cub. The cub has also become very confident and spends most of her time on her own playing around and stalking anything she can find.

Metsi and her cub are both in good condition. They love playing together and the cub mimics all of her movements.

Metsi cleaning and sharpening her claws.

Xikavi wasn’t seen too much this month. Spending most of her time North of the River and in the thicker bushes that she loves so much.

Throughout the years Ravenscourt have given us plenty of amazing sightings, allowing us to spend time with her and learn from her. Unfortunately she was killed in the beginning of this month by Nyeleti. She was protecting her Fifteen month old cub with everything she had in her and she succeeded, but lost her life in the process. She will always be remembered for the wonderful Female that she was.

The Hyena population is doing very good with a confirmed den site with Seven pups playing around and having fun.

The Pack of Nine Wild Dogs spent a lot of time in the area, producing some very good sightings for our guests.

This month we were lucky enough to see a Female Cheetah and her Two cubs coming into the Western Sector every couple of days and then heading back to the East. Because of the high Hyena population in the area the Cheetahs can’t spend too much time before being harassed by some Hyena.

All of the other wildlife also provided us with some beautiful sightings with most of the animals starting to spend more time around the watering holes as the bush starts to dry up.

Even though winter is here we still had some very good bird sightings this month.

This month was ended off in a spectacular fashion with amazing sightings as well as a Super Moon, the closest that the Moon is to Earth in its elliptical orbit. We are all excited to see what the bush will produce in the coming month. Follow our Facebook page for daily updates.

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/SelatiGrooming.flv[/FMP]

Video courtesy of Louis Röntgen.

Blog compiled by Johan de la Rey and Hugo Breed

Birth of a baby Giraffe!

Posted on 3 June 2013 by LH Focus Online

On the morning of the 30th May 2013 our guests were fortunate enough to witness the birth and first steps of a baby Giraffe.

The guests were leaving that morning after drive, and a Giraffe was the only animal they still wanted to see. During our coffee stop we noticed a Giraffe in the distance. We first looked at it through the binoculars and decided that we would go to it afterwards

After finishing up, we went straight to the Giraffe, and as we approached we noticed something strange. As the Giraffe turned we immediately saw feet and a part of the baby Giraffe’s head sticking out. We couldn’t believe what we were about to witness!

We continued to watch the whole birth unfold in front of us, just amazed and awestruck at how lucky we were to be a part of this new addition to the World. After some licking and encouragement from the mom, the new born started to try to get on its feet. It took a couple of attempts, but in the end it stood up and kept it’s balance.

Just before we left the two of them on their own, our guests named the baby Adelaide, as my guests were all from Adelaide in Australia.

This was surely a morning that we will never forget.

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Giraffefirststeps.flv[/FMP]

Music used in video : Coldplay – Paradise, Chumbawamba – I get knocked down, Lady Antebellum – Never Alone

One very exciting morning drive!

Posted on 1 June 2013 by LH Focus Online

The morning started out with fog all around us as we set out on the game drive. We were heading into the area were the Wild Dogs were last seen the day before.

Suddenly the call came over the radio, the Wild Dogs had been found, and we immediately headed into that direction. As we joined up with them there were Impalas running everywhere, and Wild Dogs running after them. We kept on following them as they ran through the thick bush, losing sight of them a couple of times, only to relocate them further on.

When we found them again 2 of the Wild Dogs’ faces were covered in blood. Obviously they had made a kill in the thick bush. Unfortunately we lost sight of them as they headed into even thicker bush and couldn’t find the kill they had made. In trying to find them again we came across Dayone, the dominant male Leopard in the area, up a tree with an impala kill about 100 meters from where we lost sight of the Wild Dogs. The Dam 3 female Leopard then also arrived, looking keen to get a bite of Dayone’s kill, but soon left.

After a while the 3 Othawa Lionesses also came to the same Jackalberry tree and Dayone made his way out of there as quick as possible. One of the Lionesses then climbed up the tree to get to the Impala kill on one of the branches. Once in the tree she started to feed a bit and contemplated her next move. Going up was easy, but coming down wasn’t! She then “gracefully” fell out of the tree with one other Lioness also rushing in to start feeding and the other going up the tree to see if she could find any scraps. As soon as she realized the kill was on the ground she then went to join the other 2.

All in all it was a very exciting morning with everything happening in the same spot.

Ranger’s Report May 2013

Posted on 31 May 2013 by LH Focus Online

The month of May has been filled with cold mornings, warm days, spectacular sunsets and sensational sightings.

May started off with the Ximhungwe pride taking down 2 big Kudu Bulls and feeding on them for a couple of days. They moved all over the property and spent a few days close to the lodge, making kills and taking care of the cubs along the way. The cubs are now between five and a half and nine months old and getting very big. They love playing around with each other and exploring every new sight and smell they find along the way.

The Othawa females introduced 8 new cubs to us this month. It looks like there are two litters of four cubs at about 2 months old, with one of the females looking like she is also pregnant. Hopefully more cubs in the very near future. The females walked into the Ximhungwe’s territory one night, luckily without any cubs present, and the Ximhungwes chased the Othawas all the way back to their own territory, both prides leaving each other with minimal injuries.

One of the Selati males was found mating with one of the Othawa females. The four boys were split up for most of the month, but when they came together again they made a Buffalo kill which kept them in one spot for almost four days. The Majingilane came into the Selati territory, but luckily they didn’t run into each other.

The Southern Pride has been spending more time in the Western Sector. The part of the Pride that crossed over consisted of 11. There was an altercation between them and two Males, Solo and Cleo, from the east and it seems that one of the cubs got fatally injured. Hopefully the Southern Pride and these two males don’t come looking for the Ximhungwe or Othawas.

Kahsane was found mating with Ravenscourt and a third unidentified female leopard joined them. The two of them had a stare down but Kashane chose to stay with Ravenscourt and left the other female behind. The two of them mated for a couple of days. Kashane is still spending most of his time on our eastern boundary.

Dayone is turning into a real strong and beautiful leopard. Still patrolling his territory and mating with the females, Xikavi and Ravenscourt, competing for his attention. On patrol one morning he almost walked into the Selati coalition on their Buffalo kill, but luckily he picked up their scent just in time and quickly changed direction. Dayone is extending his territory and pushing into Kashane’s territory in the South East.

We had a very special sighting at night with Nyeleti and Ravenscourt while they were mating up a dead fallen tree. The balancing act between the two of them was quite amazing. They were together and mating for about 3 days.

Hlaba Nkunzi and her cub are doing extremely well. The are both in good condition and her cub is getting bigger everyday. With the Hyena population growing, she has gone back to her instincts and is hoisting most of her kills again.

Metsi and her cub weren’t seen that often this month. They were found after she made an Impala kill, but once again she did not hoist it and it got stolen by Hyenas. Late in the month she and the cub was found again while she was taking the cub back to a vervet monkey she had killed.

A new Hyena den was discovered on the property. It seems there are 5 young ones at the den site.

The young male Cheetah from the east, that was in the Western Sector last month, came back for a quick visit this month as well. Maybe he will start to come into the area more often. We also had a brief visit from a female Cheetah and her two cubs.

During the start of the month we didn’t see too much of the pack of wild dogs. Everytime they came into our area they didn’t spend more than a couple of hours before heading back east. Luckily the last couple of days of this month the pack, now consisting of 9 individuals, were spending their days close to the lodge, even making an Impala kill right in front of our staff accomodation. Two of the males were seen mating with two of the females, so there is a chance of maybe seeing some new additions to the pack.

At the end of the month our guests were very priviledged to witness the birth of a Giraffe. We arrived just as the feet were coming out and stayed till long after she gave her first steps. A further blog post will follow with the complete story and more photos and video.

We had some good bird sightings throughout the month as well.

As usual we had great sightings with animals like Elephant, Buffalo, Zebra and a lot more.

As the season changes and summer leaves the Lowveld, it’s time to say Goodbye to Kelly. After many happy years at Leopard Hills, she has decided to take on a new adventure. We will truly miss Kelly and the great work she has done with us, we wish her all the best on her new journey!

This gives us the opportunity to welcome Alyssa, who has taken over from Kelly, and will be handling all the reservations for Leopard Hills, we are looking forward to the time ahead.

Overall this month has been like most other months at Leopard Hills, always something special and exciting happening around us. We are privliged to be able to experience and share everything mentioned above. For daily updates like our Leopard Hills page on Facebook.

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/videocompilationmay20132.flv[/FMP]

Written and compiled by Johan de la Rey and Hugo Breed.

Selati mating with Othawa

Posted on 16 May 2013 by LH Focus Online

This week we were fortunate enough to be witness to one of the Selati Males mating with one of the Othawa Females. The two of them spent a couple of days together, only meeting up with the rest of the Selati brothers and Othawa females for a Wildebeest lunch and dinner. In between rest periods the male kept his paw on the female to ensure she doesn’t sneak away without him noticing. After a few days they both went their separate ways. The video below is of the male calling out to make his presence known.

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SelatiOthawa.flv[/FMP]

Two Early Check Ins for Leopard Hills

Posted on 1 May 2013 by LH Focus Online

On behalf of everyone at Leopard Hills, we would like to congratulate Chef Adelaide Nkuna on the birth of her Twin Girls at the Leopard Hills Staff Village last Friday evening. This came as a surprise to everybody as they were only due in six weeks, and no one was more surprised than Adelaide, who had no idea she was carrying Twins!!!!

A few people deserve a special mention as this was truly a Team effort. Bridget for being with Adelaide right through the process, Paramedic J C form Africa Safe-T who delivered the Twins, Louise for the coordination and communication with Dr Simon King on one phone, and Bridget on the other, and of course Steve giving us a running commentary from outside the door.

Well done Adelaide, a truly remarkable achievement and under the circumstances a blessed outcome, you were very brave.

Mother and Babies are doing well, and we have just received news that the First born who arrived at ten minutes to seven has been named Bridget, and the Second born who made an entrance at five minutes past seven has been called Louise………………..Louise and Bridget Nkuna, they have a nice ring to them!!!!

Bridget and Louise Nkuna — Louise Nkuna on the left and Bridget Nkuna on the right.

Rangers Report April 2013

Posted on 29 April 2013 by LH Focus Online

April has been filled with great sightings all round. The cats, dogs and general game have all been out and about in the Western Sector.It is already getting colder and we seem to be having our last bit of unexpected rain before winter hits us.

Leopards

Hlaba Nkunzi

Hlaba Nkunzi and her ever playful cub, now over 7 months old, is both doing very well. She is seen all over patrolling her territory and on the hunt to ensure her cub’s survival. Luckily the cub knows when to head for safety when danger approaches in the likes of some Hyena, as can be seen in the picture below.

With the cub still honing her hunting skills she is keeping her mom pretty busy when she is around, and probably giving her grey hairs as she explores and tries to navigate the smallest branches she can find.

The cub navigating her way out of the tree.

Metsi

Metsi and her cub still occupies the territory close to the lodge and we have had regular sightings of them. It seems that both of them are getting more relaxed with our presence. Metsi still hasn’t learnt to take her kill up a tree and is therefore losing a lot of kills to hyena. She is always weary when they are feeding and makes a quick getaway when needs be.

Xikavi

She has been seen a lot more this month and found a couple of times seeking the affection of Dayone, with whom she mated for a few days.

Thlangisa

She is still north of the Sand River, and sightings are still few and far between.

Dayone

He has had a busy month between making sure his territory is patrolled and protected and also mating with Xikavi and the Dam 3 Female. For now it seems that Dayone’s territory and his legacy is safe from intruders. See the video for the mating between him and Xikavi, courtesy of Kathleen Ockenfels.

Kashane

He was seen spending most of his time on and beyond our eastern boundary this month. Kashane was also found mating with the Tasselbery female.

Nyeleti

Nyeleti didn’t spend too much time this month in either Dayone’s or Kashane’s territory and is waiting in the wings till he has the strenght to challenge one of them.

Lions

Selati Coalition

The 4 brothers were seen and heard a couple of times close to the lodge this month. They are still recovering from the fight with the Majingilane and still head to the east to make sure that their boundary is secure. There were a couple of exciting moments as they tried to hunt some buffalo, but were unsuccessful and decided to rather view them from a distance on the dam wall.

Ximhungwe pride

The females are taking good care of their cubs, supplying them with enough meat, in the form of big Kudu and Nyala bulls, on which they all gorge themselves. They spent most of their time in the Mabrak riverbed close to the lodge and the sightings were, as always, amazing and plentiful. The 7 cubs are getting more playful and adventurous as time goes on.

Mom getting a bit agitated as the little ones bite her.

4 Cubs taking a quick break from playing on the rocks.

Othawa Pride

There has been a couple sightings of the Othawa lionesses coming over into the Western Sector. Reports from the east of cubs have also been coming through. Lets hope that they can also take care of their cubs like the Ximhungwe pride.

Southern Pride

The Southern Pride have also been seen entering into the Western Sector a few times this month. It may be that they are looking to extend their territory, but we will have to wait and see.

Pack of Painted Dogs

We were lucky enough to be visited by the 8 dogs in the beginning of the month, moving all over the Western Sector making Impala kills as they go along. All 8 seems to be fit and healthy.

Video

[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/dayone-xikavi-mating.flv[/FMP]

Rangers Report March 2013

Posted on 29 March 2013 by LH Focus Online

A chill in the air and clear sunny days herald a welcome change in season after a very wet summer! There is a stillness in the misty mornings and evenings as the woodland kingfishers have taken their booming calls far to the north!

Leopards

Stability seems to be reigning supreme here in the west with both the male and female leopard dynamics fairly stable…for now.

Hlaba Nkunzi

Her playful female cub is growing bigger by the day and is still being led all around her mother’s vast territory to her various kill sites. See image below and amusing video of her cub manoeuvring around a small marula tree with a male common duiker kill.

Hlaba Nkunzi is also seen a lot on her own and seems to be constantly on the move, getting around and marking her vast territory. There is a lot of marking activity and vocalising on her boundary with Metsi, lots of competition for space now that they both have growing female cubs! See video of her vocalising.

Metsi

So glad to report that Metsi and her female cub were found more often this month, we had one really memorable sighting of them for a few days on an impala kill. The cub is relaxing more and more with the presence of game drive vehicles and is becoming a joy to watch. The female bloodline in the west looks very safe with both Metsi and Hlaba Nkunzi having female cubs.

Xikavi

She was found frequently this month, on one particular occasion we arrived just as she was dragging her impala kill up a tree. See images below and some video footage.

It looks like she has lactation stains and most likely has little cubs hidden somewhere…watch this space.

Thlangisa

Still residing up in the north, she surfaces very rarely in the dense environment up there but when she is found she is as playful as always!

Dayone & Kashane

Dayone is covering huge distances as always patrolling his rather large territory, he is always a pleasure to watch. He is pushing a little further east and he is often seen walking and marking the same areas that Kashane has been frequenting! There could still be more trouble brewing between these two.

Kashane contemplating his next move from high up a Jackalberry

Nyeleti

He is still hanging around gaining strength and doesn’t seem too fazed about the presence bigger older territorial males around! He is nearly 4 years old and may become a real threat very soon!

Leopards Video

Thanks to our guest Todd Fearon for being so quick on the draw and capturing Hlaba Nkunzi vocalising
[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Leopards-mar13.flv[/FMP]

Lions

Selati Coalition

All 4 gaining strength and feeding on their wildebeest kill

They faced their moment of reckoning during the latter part of the month, an almighty confrontation between 3 of the huge Majingilane males! In the aftermath one had an injured lip and another one an injured eye but they look stronger and more assured than ever! See images and video below. The way they handled the wily older Majingilane boys was commendable and the future of the Ximhungwe cubs looks very bright indeed!

One of the more dominant males just after putting his body on the line and sporting an injured lip.

A few days later and almost fully healed!

All 4 looking for buffalo a few days after the battle.

Ximhungwe pride

With the cubs still being so young the lionesses are not covering much ground at the moment and we are able to find them almost daily. Early mornings and late evenings are always a good bet to see the little ones active and playing around. Enjoy video footage below!

Kung Fu cub

Othawa Pride

The poor Othawa lionesses have been caught right in the middle of the titanic battle of the coalitions, they probably instigated all the furore by being so attractive in their oestrus condition…Tracks of one of the lionesses have been seen far west, going back and forth to the same river bed, maybe some little Othawa cubs are on the way! Watch this space…

Lions video
[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/lions-mar13.flv[/FMP]

Pack of Painted Dogs

The pack of 8 has been here a few times this month! The good news is that the one yearling from last year that was separated from the pack somehow found the rest and has rejoined them after over a week on his own.

Interesting sightings in March

A rarely spotted dwarf bittern hopped up from a roadside pan and paused briefly in this tree. Very good sighting for the birders.

A handsome young male cheetah arrived in the west and delighted us for a few days.

This young hyena was found killing a fully grown zebra! The zebra must have been sick or injured, reminding us that there is no place for the weak in Africa!

Saving the Rhino One Step at a Time

Posted on 28 March 2013 by LH Focus Online

It has been a busy week so far here in the Bush, with an outstanding initiative between the Lodges, The Sabi Sand Reserve and The Rhino Rescue Project.
As part of our ongoing effort to combat rhino poaching on the Sabi Sand, we are undertaking the horn infusion treatment as pioneered by the Rhino Rescue Project. We view poisoning rhino horn as a valuable intervention to deflect prospective poachers.

What does the treatment entail?
The horn is treated by infusing it with an indelible dye that contaminates the horn and renders it useless for ornamental – or medicinal use. A full DNA sample is harvested and three matching identification microchips are inserted into the horns and the animal itself. At the owners discretion, the indelible dye can be mixed with with special compound of depot ectoparasiticides (specifically acaricides containing pyrethroids and organophosphates) and a tracking device can also be fitted.

_DSC2877 (1024x683) — Treatment is quick and the Rhino is up and running in 30 minutes

What steps have been taken to prevent treated horns being accidently ingested?
The fact that the rhino’s in the reserve are treated is widely publicised by means of 200+ signposts around the reserve’s perimeter and, should a treated rhino be killed, the indelible dye is clearly visible inside the horn – a clear indication that the horn had been tampered with. We strongly suggest involving staff in the horn treatment process to assist (with menial tasks) as their involvement ensures that word about the treatment spreads rapidly via the “bush telegraph”.

What is the purpose of the dye and how does it work?
The dye is bright pink and clearly seen inside a treated horn, regardless of whether the ectoparasiticides have been used, which means that there can be no doubt about whether a horn is treated or not. It is similar to products used in the banking industry and has the added benefit that it is visible on an x-ray scanner. Thus a treated horn, even when ground to a fine powder, cannot be passed through security checkpoints unnoticed and so airport security checkpoints are almost certain to pick up the presence of the dye. The dye cannot be removed in any way and therefore the horn is rendered useless in terms of ornamental use. This contamination should also discourage medicinal use. Furthermore, sniffer dogs have been trained at a professional training facility to track rhino horns containing the dye, even in minuscule quantities.

What is the reason for treating the horn?
Aside from the health benefits to the rhinos, it is the hope of the Rhino Rescue Project that the treatment of the horn will deter the poacher and prevent the rhino being killed in the first place. We are hoping that no treated horn enters the market, as that will mean that programme is successful and the rhino horns are being left intact on the rhino.

100_1410 - Copy — Up and on his way with no sign of distress

Is the treatment effective?
All animals in the initial treatment sample are in excellent health. Since treatment was administered approximately 18 months ago, two cows have given birth to healthy calfs, both of whom are lactating normally. Another cow has fallen pregnant during this time. Moreover, not a single treated animal has been poached since administration of the treatment. The treatment could thus be said to have brought about a 100% decrease in poaching. A year after administration of the treatment, a number of the animlas horns were re-tested to establish distribution of the treatment inside the horn over time and to ensure that the treatment did not find its way into the animal’s system and affect its overall health. Ideally, from a research perspective, a four year growth cycle should elapse before we can say with certainty that the treatment is 100% effective. However, with the current poaching numbers skyrocketing by the day, our fear is that in four years time, this information will be useless, and there won’t be rhinos left to treat.

What are the overall benefits of including the ectoparasiticides in to the treatment?
The inclusion of ectoparasiticides in to the treatment assists towards improved health of the animals. Wild animals are not normally be treated against parasites – we believe strongly in nature being allowed to run its course and human intervention being kept to a minimum – however, the inclusion in to the treatment potentially neutralises a dual threat (both poaching and parasites). This treatment benefits the rhino owner, does not harm the environment, does not harm other living organisms, has no adverse effects on tourism or the economy, is cost-effective, legal and can be completed in under an hour. In other words, it is a minimally-invasive procedure intended to uphold the status quo with regard to the trade in animal parts.