The Xovonekela male leopard was a force to be reckoned with, and still is, even though he is approaching 15 years of age. He is the father of the Ndzilo female, Msuthu female, and the Hanyile male.
Eventually his son took over most of his territory, pushing Xovonekela further away from the area he held for so long.
He was the first leopard that I ever photographed, and has provided me with some of the most memorable sightings. He is imbued with indescribable character thanks to the cut through his right nostril, which never fully healed.
Eventually his son took over most of his territory, pushing Xovonekela further away from the area he held for so long.
He was the first leopard that I ever photographed, and has provided me with some of the most memorable sightings. He is imbued with indescribable character thanks to the cut through his right nostril, which never fully healed.
Xovonekela: the pale one
Xovonekela: the pale one
This was a magical sighting.
We spent about an hour watching as Xovonekela confidently followed the scent of another male leopard who had intruded in his territory. He was walking in circles with his nose held almost flush to the ground, trying to get on the freshest scent trail. Every now and then he would glance up to double check his surroundings before lowering his head purposefully once more.
Scar Nose
This photograph was taken during the same sighting described above. Shortly after this moment, Xovonekela was surprised by a pack of African Wild Dogs which chased him into a tree. He scaled the tree easily; leaving no hints that was an aged leopard, and continued with his search once the pack had moved on.
This was a magical sighting.
We spent about an hour watching as Xovonekela confidently followed the scent of another male leopard who had intruded in his territory. He was walking in circles with his nose held almost flush to the ground, trying to get on the freshest scent trail. Every now and then he would glance up to double check his surroundings before lowering his head purposefully once more.
Scar Nose
This photograph was taken during the same sighting described above. Shortly after this moment, Xovonekela was surprised by a pack of African Wild Dogs which chased him into a tree. He scaled the tree easily; leaving no hints that was an aged leopard, and continued with his search once the pack had moved on.
Scar Nose
Subtle Hues
Subtle Hues
Taken on a cool evening down in the Msuthu river bed. Xovonekela resting in the soft river sand; his belly full and his eyes heavy.
Taken on a cool evening down in the Msuthu river bed. Xovonekela resting in the soft river sand; his belly full and his eyes heavy.