The Maxim’s Male is Expanding his Territory – Londolozi Blog

Leopards are elusive by nature, but none more so than the Maxim’s Male. Though we rarely see him, his tracks are becoming more frequent in the central parts of Londolozi south of the Sand River. These tracks, significantly larger than any other leopard’s, male or female, are unmistakably his. Recently, his presence has been noted as far west as our western boundary. So, what does this mean for the other leopards in these areas?

Why is he so Elusive?

The habituation process for leopards at Londolozi, passed down since the late 70’s by John Varty and Elmon Mhlongo, has ensured that these big cats are comfortable around vehicles. However, habituation does not mean taming. The leopards remain wild, simply continuing their day as if we weren’t there. The Maxim’s Male, born in the Kruger National Park away from any vehicles, moved west into the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve upon becoming independent. This lack of early habituation means he often runs and hides from vehicles, although he is gradually becoming more comfortable, especially when with other leopards or near a carcass in a tree.

Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.

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His Existing Territory

In early 2021, we began to see glimpses of him around our eastern boundary. By late 2022, sightings had become more frequent. Until the beginning of 2024, he was mostly seen in the southeastern stretches of the reserve, while reports from our eastern neighbours confirmed his presence on the eastern bank of the Sand River. Holding a territory along the river is prime real estate, given the higher density of leopards, especially females to mate with, compared to more open areas.

Where is he expanding his territory to?

The Sand River, running west to east in front of Londolozi’s Camps before turning south, forms a natural boundary with our eastern neighbours. The west-to-east section has been part of the Senegal Bush Male’s territory for the last few years. However, recent sightings of the Maxim’s Male on our western boundary along the southern bank suggest that he has pushed the Senegal Bush Male further west.

The Senegal Bush male has now been pushed further west along the Sand River.

What impact will this have?

A new male moving into established leopard territories can have significant impacts. Recently, the Maxim’s Male was seen chasing the nearly independent male sub-adult of the Nkuwa Female up a tree. If this young male were younger, the encounter might have ended fatally. The Nkuwa Female and other females in the area will now need to mate with the Maxim’s Male to secure the safety of their future litters.

When the Maxim’s Male is mating he is mostly more relaxed and easier to view.

Expanding his territory also risks leaving parts of it unguarded. However, given his dominance and size, the Maxim’s Male is likely to maintain control over this large area along the Sand River for the coming years.