What Has The Kangela Male Been Up To? – Londolozi Blog

Mid-way through last year the Kangela Male made his first appearance on Londolozi. I vividly recall the thrill of that initial sighting in the western expanses, where myself and fellow guides were captivated by the sight of a new leopard traversing our reserve. His striking coat and dark facial features around his eyes, never fail to mesmerize me. Appropriately named ‘Kangela,’ meaning to observe with curious eyes, he embodies the essence of his name.

A supremely relaxed male leopard, roaming a nomadic journey for the time being.

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Born towards the end of 2019, the Kangela Male, now just over four years old, has increasingly graced us with his presence. Ranger Matt Rochford shared his first sighting of this young male, and nearly eight months later, the Kangela Male continues to roam our reserve. His journey has been rife with excitement, from being seen in the same tree as the Ntomi Male to his daring tree-climbing escapades as he explores his territory, providing us with amazing sightings along the way.

At this young age, he remains nomadic, navigating the territories of dominant males, such as the Senegal Bush Male. It appears he’s had his share of conflicts, evident from the puncture wounds along his spine, likely incurred during altercations with the Senegal Bush Male. Yet, these wounds seem to be healing well, and he continues to roam, now gravitating towards the central and northern parts of the reserve.

This was the first sighting of the Kangela Male with Ranger Kate Arthur. Meandering around a new territory he explored the reserve

Of late he has been seen venturing into the northern parts of Londolozi, which comes with, exciting prospects of this potentially being a future territory of his. Recent shifts in the territories of the Senegal Bush Male and Flat Rock Male have left a portion of Marthly unclaimed—a potential haven where Kangela could establish himself with minimal conflict. These next few years are pivotal as he approaches social adulthood.

Despite not boasting imposing size, the Kangela Male’s elongated form exudes an undeniable impression of elegance. This along with his remarkably relaxed demeanour often renders sightings of him breathtaking, offering superb photographic opportunities.

His very unique spot pattern has a small black dot within some of his rosettes which you can see on his abdomen

I hold onto hope that Kangela will secure his place within our reserve, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for him. May he continue to evade conflicts with both leopards and lions and one day, perhaps, he’ll claim Marthly as his own, reigning as the resident territorial male.