MALAMALA GAME RESERVE GAME REPORT APRIL 2015 AREAS COVERED: MARTHLY / EYREFIELD / MALAMALA / FLOCKFIELD / CHARLESTON

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1 MALAMALA GAME RESERVE GAME REPORT APRIL 2015 AREAS COVERED: MARTHLY / EYREFIELD / MALAMALA / FLOCKFIELD / CHARLESTON LIONS STYX PRIDE = 9 WEATHER SUMMARY APRIL Celsius ( C) Fahrenheit ( F) Maximum temperature Minimum temperature Mean maximum Mean minimum Rainfall (mm) 23 Days of rain 3 *AGES ARE APPROXIMATIONS AS AT END OF APRIL ADULT FEMALE 12 YEARS 3 MONTHS 1 ADULT FEMALE 7 YEARS 3 MONTHS 2 ADULT FEMALES 4 YEARS 3 MONTHS 2 ADULT MALES 4 YEARS 3 MONTH 2 SUB ADULT FEMALES 1 YEAR 5 MONTHS 1 SUB ADULT MALE 1 YEAR 5 MONTHS MALA MALA, EYREFIELD (25 sightings) April was another amazing month for sightings of the Styx pride, with some (occasionally all) of the members being seen on 25 of the 30 days. On the first day of the month all nine were seen, the two adult females, two young males and the three sub-adults were seen around Styx crossing. The two younger females were seen on the same day, much further north on the property at Mlowathi dam. Between the nine individuals of this pride, they were seen between these two landmarks on the property (Styx crossing and Mlowathi dam) a range of about 50% of the property. In addition to the variability in their positions north-south on the property, there was almost equal representation of the pride on the east and west of the Sand River during April, too. Unlike March, the core pride (two adult females and three sub-adults) were seen alone fairly infrequently during April. On ten occasions they were joined by one or both of the younger females, a number of these instances were when the Styx pride managed to find a hippo carcass on the southern bank of the Sand River, west of Bicycle crossing towards the end of the month. During this time, there were numerous phenomenal sightings of the pride feeding off the remains of the carcass, with plenty of interaction with other animals, such as leopards and hyenas, who tried to take advantage of the opportunity. The two young males were seen on their own, less than half as often as the month previously. These males were seen alone a total of six times in April, over and above these sightings one or both of the males were seen with the pride on ten occasions. Of the six times these males were seen separate from the pride, once they were seen trailing a herd of buffalo which turned into a successful hunting situation when they managed to capture one of the members of the herd. On a further two occasions they were seen with 1

2 lionesses from the Eyrefield pride, during which they were seen mating, not their first encounter since the beginning of the year. On the topic of mating, the two young females have been reportedly been spending a lot of time with the Clarendon males, north of MalaMala. This was validated in March, when they were seen together. In April, we received further reports of one of the young females having giver birth, again north of our property. On one occasion, the young Styx lioness was seen around the northern parts of the Mlowathi River accompanied by the two Clarendon males. The reports of her giving birth were clear to see as this young female, had visible signs of cubs suckling on her teats. April is the first month since January when the young females were seen in the company of any of the members of the pride. One has to wonder, if these young females allowed the Clarendon males to court and mate with them and now that these males have sired cubs with the young lioness from the Styx pride perhaps the core pride will receive immunity from these two Clarendon males, and be allowed into their territory. Interesting times lay ahead. EYREFIELD PRIDE = 7 2 ADULT FEMALES 7 YEARS 10 MONTHS 1 ADULT FEMALE 7 YEARS 9 MONTHS 1 SUB-ADULT MALE 3 YEARS 2 MONTHS 1 SUB-ADULT FEMALE 3 YEARS 2 MONTHS 1 SUB-ADULT MALE 2 YEARS 11 MONTHS 1 SUB-ADULT MALE 2 YEARS 7 MONTHS MALA MALA, FLOCKFIELD (4 sightings) Three of the four sightings of the Eyrefield pride involved them having interactions with members from other prides. The first of which was two weeks into April, when three of the females from the pride were seen with the two males from the Styx pride. During this sighting they were seen mating. The following sightings of this pride, or at least representatives thereof, were seen three more times on consecutive days following the first sighting. The second sighting of any of the members of the Eyrefield pride was of the young males, who were located in close proximity to the tree house. They were not the only lions involved at this sighting, as the Jakkalsdraai males were in the area and made it well known to the younger lions from the Eyrefield pride. Quite a performance ensued with the Jakkalsdraai males enforcing their dominance over the males from the Eyrefield pride, as they proceeded to chase them around with the younger lions escaping, with their tails tucked between their legs. The last sighting of any of the members of this pride was yet again with the males from the Styx pride. Here two of the females from the Eyrefield pride were seen in their company on the southern end of the airstrip. No mating was recorded during this sighting. 2

3 FOURWAYS PRIDE = 2 1 ADULT FEMALE UNKNOWN AGE 1 SUB ADULT FEMALE 4 YEARS 10 MONTHS EASTERN MALA MALA, EASTERN EYREFIELD, EASTERN FLOCKFIELD There were no confirmed sightings of this pride. MARTHLY PRIDE = 7 2 ADULT FEMALES 12 YEARS 8 MONTHS 1 SUB-ADULT FEMALE 4 YEARS 0 MONTHS 3 MALE CUBS 1 YEAR 10 MONTHS 1 FEMALE CUB 1 YEAR 10 MONTHS MARHTLY There were no confirmed sightings of this pride. CHARLESTON PRIDE = 3 1 ADULT FEMALE 10 YEARS 3 MONTHS 2 SUB ADULT MALES 3 YEARS 11 MONTHS CHARLESTON (1 sighting of the female; 2 sightings of the two males) Three sightings of the Charleston pride during April, all of which were in the very southern parts of the property. One of the young males was seen alone half way through the month at Charleston rock and within the next week there were two more sightings. One of which was of the two males, who are looking in very good condition, finishing off a kill of some description in the Sand River south of Flat rocks. The third encounter with this pride was of both of these young males and their aunt. To build on the reports which we received in March of the female having cubs, it has now been reported that there are in fact two new members of this pride. We are still yet to see either of the newest additions to the Charleston pride, but wait eagerly with baited breath. TJELLAHANGA PRIDE=9 2 ADULT FEMALES UNKNOWN AGES 1 SUB-ADULT FEMALE ± 3 YEARS 3 MONTHS 6 SUB-ADULT MALES ± 3 YEARS 3 MONTHS EASTERN CHARLESTON, EASTERN FLOCKFIELD, EASTERN MALAMALA There were no confirmed sightings of this pride. 3

4 JAKKALSDRAAI MALES = 2 2 SUB ADULT MALES 4 YEARS 10 MONTHS WESTERN FLOCKFIELD, WESTERN CHARLESTON (6 sightings) March found these two, impressive, young male lions spending a bit more time in the northern half of Mala Mala than usual. Their movements during April, however found them once again spending more time in the southern parts between Dudley crossing and Charleston north crossing, and westwards towards Campbell road. On one of the six sightings, these males were seen north of Rattrays camp, the furthest north during the entire month. Over and above them being seen at this position, the Jakkalsdraai males proceeded to pursue the three younger males from the Eyrefield pride in the vicinity of the Treehouse. CLARENDON MALES = 2 2 ADULT MALES ±10 YEARS 4 MONTHS NORTHERN EYREFIELD, EASTERN MARTHLY (3 sightings) There was one more sighting of this notable duo during April, as the month previously. The first of which, was a very exciting interaction between the Clarendon males and the two young males from the Styx pride. The males from the Styx pride have been roaring more frequently around the property of late, perhaps becoming a bit over zealous and a touch complacent after an encounter last year which kept them quiet for a few months. It is possible the Clarendon males share the opinion that these two young guns are getting ahead of themselves and needed to be taught a lesson. This all took place in close proximity to Picadilly triangle, on the 18 th of April. Within a week of their first sighting, one of the males was seen on the very northern parts of Eastern side Mlowathi. Two days after this, both males were seen together again on the Gowrie boundary, west of the Mlowathi river itself. They were not alone, however, and were seen in the company of the young lioness from the Styx pride that has reportedly had cubs. During this sighting, the young Styx lioness was clearly seen with suckle marks around her teats. MANYELETHI MALES = 4 ± 10 YEARS 7 MONTHS MATRHLY, EYREFIELD, MALA MALA, NORTHERN FLOCKFIELD DOMINANT OVER THE STYX, EYREFIELD, FOURWAYS, MARTHLY AND BREAKAWAY MARTHLY PRIDES There were no confirmed sightings of the Manyalethi males. 4

5 Other lions encountered No ID males (6): o Six unknown lions were seen during April, all of which travelled in pairs. One of which was seen twice; once around the junction of Emsagwen and the Kruger National Park (KNP) boundary and again the following day in Matshapiri open area. On both of these occasions they were trailing a herd of buffalo. Three different pairs of unknown lions were seen during April. The second pair were seen in the Sand River, south and west of the junction of the track which leads to Beaumont s hippo pools and Sibuye drive. The last pair are a second unknown pair from the KNP. Initially seen around 4 ways crossing, with a lioness, this pair were later seen further north around Matshapiri dam. Three more sightings of these males during April, two of which they were alone and the last for the month was in the company of the female. o No ID females (3): Three unique lionesses were seen during April, two of which were seen once on our northern boundary, east of the Matshapiri river. The third lioness was seen initially with two unknown males from the KNP. There were four more sightings of this female, one of which she was seen unaccompanied by the two males. NUMBER OF DIFFERENT LIONS ENCOUNTERED (approximate) April 32 5

6 LEOPARDS: BICYCLE CROSSING MALE 13 YEARS 4 MONTHS WESTERN MALAMALA, WESTERN FLOCKFIELD, WESTERN CHARLESTON (8 sightings) During April there were eight sightings of the Bicycle crossing male leopard, the highest since September The first of which was on 2 nd April, when he was found close to the junction of the main track which runs through the Tamboti thickets and River road. Over the next seven encounters with the ubiquitous yet infrequently seen, Bicycle crossing male, his general movements were; northwards to Drum crossing, south and east as far as the junction of Charleston drive and Paradise valley road, and then back north and west. During the last sighting of the Bicycle crossing male, on the final day of the month, he was seen around the Tamboti thickets, yet again. AIRSTRIP MALE 8 YEARS 11 MONTHS WESTERN MALAMALA, WESTERN FLOCKFIELD (14 sightings) The number of sightings of the Airstrip male leopard was the same for March as well as April, 14. The main highlights for March were of the different interactions between the Airstrip male and other leopards. April continued with the interaction theme, the opponent differed somewhat. In the middle of the month, the Airstrip male located a giraffe which had died due to natural causes, in the Mlowathi river at its confluence with the Tslebe rocks donga. Never one to turn down an opportunity the Airstrip male leopard vehemently defended his plunder for three days from scavenger after scavenger, namely hyenas and vultures. Five of the sightings of this male were in Marthly, the remainder were spread out as far north and east as the shortcut between Old borehole road and Tslebe rocks road, while it extends south and east almost reaching West street bridge. The Airstrip male leopard is definitely branching out a bit more with his territorial exploits as he has been found further and further apart, with Marthly becoming a favourite of this individual. CHARLESTON MALE 8 YEARS 11 MONTHS EASTERN CHARLESTON, NORTHERN TOULON WEST STREET MALE 5 YEARS 11 MONTHS WESTERN MALAMALA, WESTERN FLOCKFIELD 6

7 NEWINGTON MALE WESTERN MALAMALA (2 sightings) 6 YEARS 6 MONTHS The Newington male was seen two days into April, around Elephant rock lookout. He was not seen until two weeks later, where he was seen in close proximity to the eastern ramp of the causeway. Both of these sightings of this male did not improve confidence in his survival after the injuries he had sustained in March. A week after his last sighting, the carcass of a male leopard was found around the southern parts of Jerimiah s loop. Upon further inspection of the body, it was determined to be that belonging to the Newington male leopard, which must have died not too long after his last sighting. HOGVAAL MALE 7 YEARS 5 MONTHS EASTERN EYREFIELD, EASTERN MALAMALA, NORTHERN FLOCKFIELD TREEHOUSE MALE WESTERN MALAMALA (8 sightings) ± 5 YEARS 4 MONTHS The Treehouse male has taken a definite interest in the western bank of the Sand River, being seen eight times between Bicycle crossing and Princess Alice pans. During these encounters, two of which found this male leopard feeding off the remains of a waterbuck carcass on the old airstrip. A week later the opportunistic Treehouse male was seen trying to get involved with the remains of a hippopotamus, which was found dead on the southern bank of the Sand River, west of Bicycle crossing. TSLEBE ROCKS MALE NORTHERN EYREFIELD (1 sighting) ± 8 YEARS 9 MONTHS The sightings of the Tslebe rocks male during March and April, were very similar with this male being seen once during each month with both encounters taking place at Mlowathi dam. In April he was seen midway through the month, and still looks in very good health. PRINCESS ALICE PANS MALE WESTERN MALAMALA 14 YEARS 5 MONTHS GOWRIE MALE NORTHWESTERN EYREFIELD ± 7 YEARS 8 MONTHS 7

8 RIVER ROCKS MALE (1 sighting) 5 YEARS 8 MONTHS There were two sightings of this young male leopard, one in March and one in April, exactly one month apart. As was the case with his first sighting of 2015, the River Rocks male is still moving around in his father s territory. This month he was seen on River road, south of the Rock Drift donga. KIKILEZI FEMALE 13 YEARS 7 MONTHS 2 FEMALE CUBS 1 YEAR 5 MONTHS WESTERN MALA-MALA, WESTERN EYREFIELD, MARTHLY (2 sightings of female, 8 sightings of female and cub(s), 13 sightings of cub(s) without female) Once again this trio of leopards stole the show in April, providing us with numerous sightings of the Kikilezi female and one or both of her cubs. These leopards were seen on 20 days during the month, with a total number of 23 sightings these included; two sightings of the Kikilezi female alone, eight with her cub(s) and 13 of the cub(s) without their mother. As has been noted previously, one of the daughters (the 3:3 spot pattern) of the Kikilezi female is moving towards independence sooner than her sister. The Kikilezi female s prey of choice was most definitely impala and was seen twice on kills of this species. The first of which was close to the old quarry, south of the Mlowathi koppies just shy of midway through April. The second carcass she was found on was roughly two weeks later, in Picadilly triangle. During both of these encounters with this female and her quarry, she was seen sharing it with her daughters. TAMBOTI FEMALE 7 YEARS 7 MONTHS WESTERN FLOCKFIELD, WESTERN MALA MALA (6 sightings) The Tamboti female was seen twice as much during April, as the month prior, with six sightings in total. Three of which were in the first week, the remainder were in the last of the month. All of the encounters of this female, were well within her territory on the western bank of the Sand River, between Ambush alley and Bushbuck drive. During one instance, the Tamboti female was seen capturing and killing a vervet monkey around the old airstrip. There has still been no evidence of any cubs, since the Tamboti female was reported giving birth and was seen with suckle marks. We wait patiently, but the hope of seeing these new additions is dwindling. ISLAND FEMALE 2 YEARS 3 MONTHS WESTERN FLOCKFIELD, WESTERN MALA MALA (8 sightings) Four months ago, this young female was one of the most viewed leopards on the property, seen mainly within her mother s territory. Since this time, the numbers of sightings of this female have become quite variable. Possibly attributed to the fact that since her independence the Tamboti has been less lenient with the Island female spending time in her territory, which may explain why this young female has been seen occasionally on the eastern bank of the Sand River. On one such occasion during March, she encountered the Kikilezi female who was not as tolerant with the Island female exploring her well established territory, which resulted in this young female leopard spending the better part of the day in a Marula tree, under the keen eye of her pursuer. The Island female was seen on eight occasions between the beginning and end of April, all of which were 8

9 once again within the Tamboti female s territory on the western bank barring one instance where she was seen on the eastern bank, around the giraffe bones. This young leopardess continues to hone her hunting skill and was successful on a number of occasions. The first of which was a scrub hare which fell victim on the 5 th of April, this meagre meal was not enough to satiate the hunger of this maturing female leopard. The last record of the Island female making a kill, was the day following the scrub hare she successfully captured an impala around Wildebeest crossing, which she fed on for two days. MLOWATHI FEMALE 8 YEARS 2 MONTH DAUGHTER OF THE MLOWATHI FEMALE ±1 YEAR 5 MONTHS NORTHWESTERN EYREFIELD (0 sightings of the Mlowathi female, 0 sighting of the daughter of the Mlowathi female) JAKKALSDRAAI FEMALE 15 YEARS 5 MONTHS CENTRAL & WESTERN CHARLESTON, EAST OF THE SAND RIVER OSTRICH KOPPIES FEMALE 10 YEARS 4 MONTHS MALE CUB 10 MONTHS EYREFIELD (2 sightings of female, 1 sighting of female and cub, 2 sightings of cub without female) The first two sightings of either of these two leopards in April, was of the young male cub, alone. On both occasions, during the first half of the month, he was seen on Matshapiri dam road between Old borehole road and Wild dog rocks Gowrie boundary road. It was not until the following sighting of this young male with his mother, the Ostrich Koppies female, that his impressive growth was taken note of. This cub, which is two months shy of a year in age, is almost equal in size to his mother. MATSHIPIRI FEMALE 14 YEARS 8 MONTHS CUBS OF THE MATSHAPIRI FEMALE ±4 MONTHS EASTERN MALA MALA, EASTERN EYREFIELD (2 sightings of the Matshapiri female; 1 sighting of the Matshapiri female and cubs) The last encounter we had with the Matshapiri female in March, was with her and two cubs which were then estimated to be about three months in age. The first sighting of any of these leopards during April was of the Matshapiri female and one of her cubs, four days into the month very close to Matshapiri dam. The remaining two sightings for April were of the Matshapiri female only; once at 4 ways open area on the ninth of the month and then at Matshapiri dam, over two weeks later. DUDLEY FEMALE WESTERN FLOCKFIELD (1 sighting) 16 YEARS 6 MONTHS There was one sighting of this legendary female leopard during April, on the first of the month. The Dudley female was seen on the eastern bank of the Sand River, opposite Rattray s camp, on MalaMala. Her overall condition is not the greatest, however for a leopard of 16 and a half years of age she is still doing very well. 9

10 DAUGHTER OF THE DUDLEY FEMALE WESTERN FLOCKFIELD 2 YEARS 1 MONTH EMSAGWENI FEMALE MALA-MALA (3 sightings) 5 YEARS 4 MONTHS Seen two more times during April, than in the months prior, this leopardess retains her elusive nature while maintaining her presence on the eastern bank within her territory. The first sighting of the Emsagweni female was near the south eastern parts of Matshapiri open area, where she was seen with an impala kill. In true Emsagweni female style, she was not seen for over two weeks. After the brief absence of this female, she was seen twice more during the month both of which were in close proximity to West street bridge. FLOCKFIELD FEMALE 11 YEARS 0 MONTHS CENTRAL & EASTERN FLOCKFIELD, NORTHERN CHARLESTON Other leopards encountered: The Marthly male leopard: (4 sightings) o Four sightings of this male leopard, during April. Three of which were around the carcass of a hippo which died near Bicycle crossing, on the southern bank of the Sand River. On one of these occasions this male leopard was treed by a lioness from the Styx pride, and remained there for half of the morning and all afternoon making his escape under the cover of darkness. No ID males: (8 sightings) o Eight sightings, of four different leopards. One unidentified male leopard was seen four times during April, around the southern reaches of the Matshapiri River. Based on this animal s behaviour, it is assumed he moved in from Kruger National Park. No ID females: (4 sightings) o Three unidentified female leopards were seen, in four sightings during April. No ID cubs: (1 sighting): o A single cub was seen with its mother, in the Nwana nonantshemeni donga, three weeks into the month. NUMBER OF DIFFERENT LEOPARDS ENCOUNTERED (approximate) April 25 10

11 CHEETAH From two sightings of a pair of brothers in March to six sightings of four different individuals in April, the cheetah sightings were spread out between the 8 th and the 23 rd of the month. Of the six sightings of these infrequently seen cats five were of the male coalition, which was seen around the north eastern parts of the property. An unexpected sighting of two younger male cheetah happened on the 15 th of the month, south and east of the confluence of the Matshapiri and Sand Rivers. These two were seen at the entrance of Flockfield lookout, and were not seen again during the month. NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CHEETAH ENCOUNTERED April 4 CAPE HUNTING DOGS April s cape hunting dog sightings were six in number. Five of these were of one pack, of 13, between West Street Bridge and the confluence of the Kapen and Sand Rivers. During the third sighting of these effervescent animals, they; spotted, chased and captured an Nyala close to the southern reaches of the Kapen river. There was one sighting of a single cape hunting dog in the Sand River, adjacent Rocky crossing. The animal was crossing south over the river, so no identity was obtained. NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CAPE HUNTING DOGS ENCOUNTERED (approximate) April 14 CAPE BUFFALO AND ELEPHANTS April, as with every month thus far into 2015, provided us with numerous sightings of both buffalo and elephant. Cape buffalo were seen on 111 occasions, and of the 25 herds which were encountered during the month 10 contained >200 animals. The number of elephant sightings surpassed that of the buffalo, with 174 recorded viewings of these animals during April. The buffalo sightings, in addition to the 25 recorded herd encounters, include 206 individual buffalo being seen. Elephant sightings are improving as the bush becomes drier, moving into the winter months. As a result, these majestic animals are often seen either heading to, or from, water. In April, 21 large herds were seen (>30 individuals in the herd), 107 small to medium herds and 58 individual animals. 11

12 OTHER INTERESTING SIGHTINGS When reviewing the out of the ordinary sightings from April, the list is actually quite long. To start us off this month, we had a sighting of two honey badgers close to Tslebe rocks. It is always an unexpected surprise seeing these revered animals. Following this pair, there were four cases of dead animals being found. The first of which was a giraffe. This animal suffered an unsuccessful birthing attempt and eventually was found dead with the foetus protruding half way. Following this was a young male hippo, which was found dead on the southern bank of the Sand River, west of Bicycle crossing presumably from injuries sustained from fighting, which occurs more often leading up to, and during the drier seasons. Both of these unfortunate events for the animals provide much nutrition for many others. During the week, or so, which it took for either of these carcasses to be depleted, they provided many amazing sightings of a selection of animals moving in to feed off their remains - some of which include: lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and vultures. The remaining two animals which had died and were located were a fully mature male kudu and a leopard, known as the Newington male. The kudu s carcass was given away by the aerial scavengers descending and by the time it was located there was very little remaining. The Newington male was found west of MalaMala main camp, about a week after he was seen last. He was found, lying beneath a guarri bush and remained undisturbed by scavenger. The month was ended off by seeing a very relaxed porcupine, along the Rhino pens. This animal usually gives us a fleeting glance of its tail end as it passes, very enjoyable to be able to sit and watch one in action. TOTAL SIGHTINGS FOR APRIL 2015 Lion 62 Leopard 105 Elephant 174 Buffalo 111 Cheetah 6 Cape Hunting Dog 6 12

13 MalaMala Big Five monthly analysis: APRIL 2015 LION LEOPARD ELEPHANT BUFFALO Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings Animals Sightings LH + 1H H H LH LH + 2H LH LH + 4H H LH + 5H H H H LH + 4H H H LH + 5H LH LH H H LH + 4H LH LH + 5H LH + 5H LH + 1H H H H H LH + 1H LH + 1H LH H LH LH LH + 2H LH H 3 2LH H H LH + 4H H LH + 6H LH LH + 6H LH + 2H H TOTAL LH + 107H LH + 15H *Note: the large herd of elephants seen on 24 th April, was estimated to contain approximately 100 individuals.

14 MalaMala Kill Analysis April 2015 Lions Leopards Cape hunting dog Cheetah Total Impala Duiker Klipspringer Buffalo 1 1 Bushbuck Warthog 1 1 Nyala 1 1 Waterbuck 1 1 Wildebeest Kudu 1 1 Giraffe Other Total *Note: the warthog kill made by the Airstrip male leopard (28/04/2015) was stolen by the members of the Styx pride.