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MalaMala is without a doubt the
finest game viewing destination on the sub continent. It is through
this cyberdiary that we strive to bring you first hand accounts
of our phenomenal game sightings, as well as detailed information
of the wildlife seen on the MalaMala Game Reserve.
Many
animals in the African bush are territorial and by traversing these
areas daily, the MalaMala rangers are able to locate the various
animals on a fairly regular
basis.
Through these sightings, they are able to identify the specific
animal and estimate its territorial boundaries. The individual animals
are identified by the scars and physiological markings that make
them unique. We are therefore able to identify and record animal
movements for research purposes.
Weekly
Cyberdiary Update 22 - 28 August 2010
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Buffalo - Image By Ant Mulligan
Charleston pride and buffalo kill – 22 to 24 August 2010
After first seeing some vultures descending, and then finding one of the Toulon males walking north in the bush line, rangers followed up to see what they would find. After driving for a long way into the bush, they eventually found a freshly killed adult female buffalo. Two Charleston lionesses and their cubs were at the kill, along with a second Toulon male. The males fed first, and then the cubs and the lionesses had their turn. The carcass was not far from the river, and occasionally some of the lions would go down to drink. But one of them would always stay behind to ward off any unwanted visitors. They fed on the kill for then next three days, until they’d finally picked it clean. They then left in the direction of the river, leaving the scraps for the vultures.
Matshipiri female and son with duiker kill – 22 August 2010
This mature female was found near the Buffalo Bush Dam. She was not scenting or hunting, but rather was just moving steadily through the bush as if on a mission. She started calling and then her son (who is now much bigger than her) appeared and followed his mother. As they arrived at a gully system the female ran in and emerged with a baby duiker. The son then took the duiker from his mother and proceeded to play with it. He seemed unsure as to what to do with it, and each time he got into the right position to kill it he would let go again. Eventually his mother stepped in and put the duiker out of its misery.
Daughter of Ngoboswan female patrolling – 22 August 2010
This young female is getting more and more confident, and with her mother’s genes it’s expected that she’ll get even more dominant as time goes by. She’ll more than likely that take territory from West Street south and east, which is most of the area her mother once had (and even some of her aunt’s territory). She was found late in the afternoon along the lower reaches of the Kapen River. She roared and scented and was eventually lost going through some thickets heading towards the Sand River.
Kikilezi female and her son of 2008 – 22 August 2010
While looking for hippo in the upper reaches of the Sand River, rangers found a young male leopard sunning himself on the sand at the river. He was identified as the Kikilezi female’s 2008 son. He hasn’t been seen in a while, and with there being so many big territorial males on MalaMala we don’t expect that he’ll be setting up territory anytime soon. That said, he seemed quite content to just lie there and soak up the sun. A short while later some rustling was heard, and the Kikilezi female was spotted not too far downstream. He didn’t look comfortable (even though she is his mother) and they made no attempt to join up. Eventually both leopards went their separate ways, with the young male heading south and west and the Kikilezi female back towards the north in the direction of Stwise.
Jakkalsdraai Female Leopard Cub - Image By Ant Mulligan
Jakkalsdraai female and cub moving den sites – 22 to 28 August 2010
This female and cub have become a popular sighting on MalaMala. When she is at the den, mother and cub both put on a great show. There are very few guests who do not find a 5 week old leopard cub utterly endearing. The vigilant Mom has been moving her cub regularly, so as not to leave a strong scent in the area. She seems to spend most of the day with her cub, before moving off to scent mark, hunt and drink. When she isn’t there the den site out of bounds, which means guests and rangers alike have to exercise their patience in this regard. She seems to be alternating between three rocky areas, all of which are in close proximity of one another. Her latest den is on the river bank by a Matumi tree, which offers water for her and shade for both of them. This den was a favourite with her last litter as well. We welcome this new member to the MalaMala family, and hope to have many more great sightings of both mother and cub.
Campbell Koppies female hunting – 23 August 2010
As lean as a rake, and with some deep gashes, this leopard was not looking her best. Rangers found her in the Mlowathi River (close to Mlowathi Dam) after tracking her for several hundred meters. In the condition she was in, it was clear she was looking for any prey species. After being spotted out in the open by an alert impala ram, she then moved into the vegetation where detection would be less likely. On several occasions she began stalking something, but each time was unsuccessful. Rangers eventually lost sight of her as she moved northwards into the Mwana Nonantshemeni Donga.
Flockfield female patrolling – 23 August 2010
This female has been seen a lot lately, and most of the time it’s been around the Kapen River in the territory of the now deceased Kapen female. She is relaxing down nicely again, and on this morning she even tried to hunt some franklin and a monkey or two in-between scenting along the Kapen River. Once the day started warming up she settled down in some shade on the bank of the river.
Female leopard from Sparta (Mxabene) resting – 23 August 2010
This female and her two sons are being seen on MalaMala more and more. With the waterholes all drying up and the Sand River now the only source of water, both leopards and lions have become more tolerant of ‘visitors’ into their territories in order to allow them access to the river. This large female was found resting up in a Marula tree, not far from the Sand River. Her damp paws indicated that she had come from the river and was on her way back to her territory. She was left sleeping in the tree, but in the afternoon tracks showed that she’d moved back to the west of MalaMala.
Eyrefield Pride and two buffalo kills – 24 & 25 August 2010
Found early in the morning trailing a herd of buffalo, it was clear that it was going to be a very exciting morning. After having stalked the herd for a short while the pride ran in and chaos ensued. For quite some time it was absolute pandemonium, as the lions chased the buffalo and the buffalo in turn chased the lions. At one point the cats managed to isolate a group of about thirty buffalo from the main herd, and it looked as though they were going to be successful in bringing one down. But then the whole herd came stampeding back to rescue the group. At this point the Marthly male also came into a spot of bother, when he was isolated from the pride. In the end it was the very large termite mound that he was sitting on that saved him. All of a sudden the whole herd just stampeded off, leaving the lions looking on in vain as their anticipated meal disappeared in a cloud of dust. The pride regrouped, and then lay down to sleep and gather their strength.
Some time later a ranger came back to check up on them. As he approached the area where the lions were sleeping, two buffalo – a very sick female and her calf, came walking along in the direction of the lions. The lions immediately saw their chance and ran up. The female showed no resistance, but the calf put up a small fight by charging at the hungry predators. It didn’t make any difference though, because within minutes both of them were on the ground and dead. The lions then seemed to favor the calf, and only began feeding on the cow once the calf was finished. They spent the rest of the day sleeping and feeding.
The next morning the Eyrefield pride was found in the Sand River, near the confluence of the Matshipiri River. They had finished both buffalo and all 9 lions looked as if they had swallowed a beach ball. They spent the whole day in the same place, getting up to drink every now and then returning to rest.
Hyena - Image By Ant Mulligan
Bicycle Crossing male and the Son of the Dudley female both patrolling – 24 August 2010
The Bicycle Crossing male hasn’t been seen very often in the last while. He has been making his way back north along the river to West Street, and will not give up this prime estate without a fight. Rangers found him around West Street, making his way north towards the airstrip. He eventually settled around the southern parts roaring and scenting. This however brought the attention of another male, one that has been trying to steal this area around the airstrip and the river north of West Street from the Bicycle Crossing male for quite some time.
The son of the Dudley female (who is also the Bicycle Crossing male’s son) arrived in the area. Making sure to keep a safe distance, he lay down and watched his father. Both leopards then got up and moved west before settling down in the shade of some thickets. They were both aware of the other one’s presence, but the Bicycle Crossing male appeared unconcerned by this. He fell asleep in the shade during the midday heat, while his son lay a few yards off watching his father’s every move. No doubt he is hoping that his father will acquiesce and give him some land.
Toulan Male Lion - Image Ant Mulligan
Toulon male and Charleston lioness mating – 25 August 2010
These two lions (which have been together for a few days now) moved in the direction of the Sand River. They were on the southern bank close to KK crossing, where they seemed content to rest in the shade and cool breeze offered by the trees on the bank of the river. The mating was far less intense and less frequent than it was a few days ago. This indicated that they were coming to the end of the cycle. With the rest of the pride having eaten a buffalo while they were mating, and the fact that they don’t normally eat while mating, these two lions are going to have to think of food soon. Hopefully the rest of the pride will not hesitate to help them in this regard.
4 Kruger National Park and three Styx lionesses with a pair mating – 26 August 2010
Roaring was heard in the middle of the night through to the next morning. This resulted in much excitement in camp, with rangers and guests all hoping it was the 4 new males from the Kruger National Park. These new males seem to be taking over from the Mlowathi males, especially as Mohawk (the last Mlowathi male) hasn’t been seen for a number of weeks now. This confirms reports that he has joined up with his older brothers in the west.
Two of the Kruger National Park males and a Styx lioness were found near Mlowathi Dam, and before long rangers noticed that the one male was mating with the Styx lioness. Another clear indication that they are taking over in the area. On leaving this trio, the remaining two males and another two Styx lionesses were found sleeping in the thickets about 200m up the road. The mating pair continued throughout the day and into the next. Much later that evening that the rest of the lions got up, roared and moved north again, until they eventually headed off of MalaMala entirely.
Kikilezi female patrolling and hunting – 26 & 27 August 2010
For the first time in a very long time, the Kikilezi female was found on the western bank of the Sand River (just south of camp). She has not seen her with her cub in over a week, so hopefully her daughter is still alive and well. She moved along the river scenting, and eventually crossed over and came to rest for the day on a termite mound. The next day she was found again in the same area, but once evening drew close she began moving and hunting. She made a couple of attempts, most of them on a small steenbok that seemed to be teasing her by running off out of reach and then stopping to let the leopard think she was still in with a chance. Eventually the female gave up and moved her attention to a herd of impala in the area. After a couple of missed attempts she rallied and made a wide flank. Some time later some snorting was heard and impala were seen running. When rangers followed up they found that she’d caught an adult female impala, which she’d subdued and was in the process of killing. Unfortunately for the Kikilezi female, a hyena arrived on the scene and stole the kill right out from under her. The thieving scavenger then proceeded to enjoy his stolen meal while the leopard looked on.
Matshipiri female and son patrolling – 26 August 2010
On the morning drive the son of the Matshipiri female was found sunbathing on the Matshipiri Dam wall. He was quite happy to be viewed from the other end of the dam, and did not even concern himself when animals came down to drink. As the morning wore on and the day became warmer, he moved upstream in the Matshipiri River and lay down in the shade of a Leadwood tree. He was relocated later that afternoon, and this time he was with his mother. He followed her as she made her way south, scenting and patrolling and teaching him what he would need to do one day should he wish to become a dominant male with his own area. They appeared very happy – even playing at times – as they made their way south. They were eventually left when they moved into a big gully system late in the evening.
Rollercoaster female and son with a bushbuck kill – 26 August 2010
The Rollercoaster female was found late on the previous evening heading into a gully system with her son in tow. On following up it was clear that she had made a kill, which rangers subsequently discovered was hidden in a very big Sausage tree close to the bank of the Sand River. Early the next morning rangers returned to the area to follow up, and found the son of the Rollercoaster female in the Sausage tree with an adult female bushbuck kill. Both leopards had fed on it the evening before, so there wasn’t much left of the carcass. Even so, it made for some great viewing to watch this young male as he alternated between feeding and trying to make sure the kill didn’t fall out of the tree. Occasionally he’d stop to move the kill or change position, all of which proved highly entertaining for onlookers. Later that evening his mother returned and they finished the kill off together, before moving off towards the Sand River to get some water to aid with digestion.
KNP Male Lion & Styx Lioness Mating - Image By Ant Mulligan
1 Kruger National Park male and 1 Styx lioness mating – 27 August 2010
All the other lions had moved off the property the night before, but the mating pair seemed content to stay in the shade and mate. The frequency in mating had subsided, indicating that they were coming to the end of the cycle. That said, they were still mating and for the time being that remained their main priority. Late in the evening they got active, and led by the female, they set their sights on a herd of impala. The hunting was short lived however, because the male soon lost interest and wanted to mate again. They then made their way north towards the area where the rest of the pride was last seen. They were eventually lost when they continued north towards their mates.
Bicycle Crossing male hunting – 27 August 2010
While following the Kikilezi female, rangers saw a male leopard on West Street Bridge. It was the Bicycle Crossing male sleeping on the bridge. He rose to look around and roar a couple of times, but for the most part just continued to sleep. He eventually rose and moved west, scenting and roaring as he made his way through the bush line. He came across a herd of impala and immediately began stalking them, but even though he was in the perfect position at one point he didn’t take the opportunity. He was eventually left fast asleep about 15m away from the large herd of impala. Perhaps he was hoping that the impala would move closer to where he had more camouflage.
Bicycle Crossing Male - Image By Ant Mulligan
Eyrefield pride following buffalo herd – 28 August 2010
The large herd of buffalo seem very happy to stay in the middle of MalaMala. They moved back and forth between the Sand River and the middle of the property, alternately drinking and feeding. However their mistake was returning to the river just south of Rattray’s Camp to drink. As they moved away from the river the Eyrefield pride (which was just off to the west of the property) heard the buffalo and started making their way back east. Late that afternoon the lions had closed the gap, and by the evening the age old battle of lion and buffalo looked set to start. With the Eyrefield pride being such a large unit, buffalo are the perfect prey for them to hunt as one buffalo can easily feed the entire pride. The ideal hunting tactic is to trail the herd and wait for one of the slower or weaker members to fall behind. However on this occasion the lions decided on a different approach, and rushed the buffalo at night as they cannot see that well in the dark. They were obviously hoping to cause confusion and disorientate the buffalo. This strategy has been known to work, but it is also very risky with so many buffalo stampeding angrily about. They tried several times without success, and eventually came to a rest a short way off from the buffalo to regroup and think up a new strategy for attack.
2 Kruger National Park male lions patrolling – 28 August 2010
Late in the afternoon two of the new young males from the Kruger National Park were found on the northern boundary of MalaMala. Tracks indicated that they had come from the south and were searching for something. The roared a few times and called softly before continuing north. They might have been looking for their brother that was mating with the Styx lioness, or perhaps they were just patrolling in their ongoing bid to establish themselves within their new territory.
Matshipiri female and son with a duiker kill – 28 August 2010
Tracks of a female leopard were found around Buffalo Bush Dam, heading east through the Matshipiri River. Further up the road tracks of a male then joined those of the female. On following up in the bush line the Matshipiri female was found on top of a termite mound As rangers approached she moved down the mound towards a small gully where her son was waiting. She then moved under a small thicket where a female duiker carcass could be seen sticking out. The female fed for a while before her son dragged the carcass off into the gully to feed, making it a little harder to see it. Such a small antelope doesn’t go far when there are two hungry leopards to feed, and by late afternoon the pair was on the move again.
Son of the Dudley female with bushbuck kill – 28 August 2010
This young male has become quite a successful hunter, and seems to have convinced his father to relinquish a small piece of his territory on the western bank north of West Street. He was found just south of the Sable Camp with a female bushbuck kill. He seemed very pleased with himself and fed at leisure throughout the afternoon, before leaving the area and moving down to the river. The rest of this winter will determine whether or not he is going to be able to claim this area, or if his father (the Emsagwen male) or the large male leopard from Sparta are going to see him as a threat.
Elephants Drinking - Image By Ant Mulligan
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