On a recent morning game drive, we crossed the Sand River to explore the northern parts of Londolozi, where the landscape shifts slightly. This area, dotted with rocky outcrops and cut by the Manyelethi River, holds a different charm. As we drove along the winding crests, a crackling message came through the radio: a leopard had been spotted. The Ngungwe Female was seen drinking from a small pool in the Manyelethi River, near Marthly Pools for those familiar with Londolozi.
Soft clouds stream across the sky one morning above the Manyelethi River. There is a granite extrusion that lies in a west-east line through the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The tips of it can be seen in the form of rocky granite outcrops, locally known as “koppies”. In this image one can see how the boulders in the foreground align with further koppies to the east.
Eagerly, we made our way to the scene. As we arrived we watched as the Ngungwe Female turned away from her drinking pool and started heading back towards the bank. She lead us to a large jackelberrg tree, which as leopards do, she effortlessly climbed up. There hanging over a large branch high up in the tree she had stashed away a recent kill. Using binoculars, we were able to identify her prized possession: a klipspringer, recognised by the distinctive black glands below its eyes. This wasn’t far from a rocky outcrop, the typical habitat where these small antelopes establish their territories.
Watching the scene, I felt a mix of emotions. While the beautiful Ngungwe Female had secured a crucial meal, my thoughts drifted to the surviving klipspringer, now without its lifelong mate.
Klipspringers are known for their strong monogamous bonds, mating for life and working together to defend their territory and raise their young. They are almost inseparable, taking turns to watch for danger and ensuring each other’s safety. The sight of the Ngungwe Female’s kill made me wonder: What happens to the surviving klipspringer? Does he venture off in search of a new mate, or does he stay, hoping another will come along?
The answer lies in the behaviour and survival strategies of klipspringers. These antelopes are highly adapted to their rocky outcrop habitats, which provide essential protection and vantage points for spotting predators. Leaving this secure and familiar terrain poses significant risks.
The journey to find a new mate can be very dangerous, as the open areas between rocky outcrops expose klipspringers to predators and other potential threats. Such was the case of this klipspringer in Kelsey’s blog.
Consequently, when seeking a mate, a klipspringer will typically settle for the first suitable partner it encounters, prioritising safety over choosiness. They quickly establish a territory together rather than risking prolonged exposure while searching for an ideal mate.
Given these considerations, it is likely that the surviving male klipspringer will remain within his already established territory. The risk of leaving the safety of his rocky outcrop is too great. By staying put, he can continue to defend his home and hope that a wandering female in need of a mate will eventually come to him. This strategy enhances his chances of finding a new partner without exposing himself to unnecessary dangers.
In the wild, the loss of a mate is a harsh reality that many animals face. For the surviving klipspringer, staying put and safeguarding his territory is the best course of action. His calls, scent markings, and presence serve as signals to potential mates, indicating the availability of a safe and established territory. This strategy not only provides safety but also increases the likelihood of attracting a new mate, ensuring the continuity of his lineage and the protection of his rocky outcrop.
Megan Wade
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