Who is this?

I'm not ready to give up yet! I must admit, though we are having quite a time figuring this one out it is fun and very interesting. It has also helped me to look for recognizable features more on all the cats. I've already noticed myself watching shows with "stock footage" and saying, That's Honey, or, that's Bella you know. So much footage from the Mara is used in alot of shows and unless you pay attention you might not normally realize it!

Ronnie

Your right Ronnie, I've started looking more closely at markings as well. I think the Guys on here who go on Safari are more used to doing that, than those of us that have'nt been. It has been fun, and I think I might give Governers another prod tomorrow, I'll tell them we have asked Kircha, and others as well, and try to make it a bit of a competition to see who can identify Siri
WS

I'm a bit behind with you Ronnie and WS but I did finish reading The Marsh Lions yesterday and under the Epilogue 2011 Brian Jackman says

'Nobody is sure if Safi is still alive'

Lai

Jackson had this photo from Dec 20 last year, he said it was Safi.



Ronnie

Ronnie - it's so difficult to tell isn't it? Rather like all the confusion over Romeo and Clawed. Jackson is so knowledgable.

Lai

I know what you mean Lai, this ID stuff isn't very easy until you find your key mark, like the spots under Shadow's right eye for example. I also don't want to seem like I've suddenly become an expert, but I don't think Jackson's picture is of Safi after all. Here's a grab right off BCD, so no doubt as to who it is. I actually grabbed it because of the discussion we were having a few weeks ago about Bahati and her blue looking eyes. Maybe it has to do with youth because, all though this is far from Andy Rouse quality, her eyes look bluish to me, and they are both young in the pictures.



Notice the distinct markings above and between her eyes, almost an M shape, not on Jackson's leopard.

Ronnie

I still haven't heard back from Kichwa yet, I may prod them a bit tomorrow if I still haven't heard anything. I did post the video and the basic info so far on FB in the Bigcatfanz page to get a little more exposure. A lot of informed and connected people there so hopefully we can get some interest.

Ronnie

Good shot Ronnie - and a very obvious M as you say. Another person who is very knowledgable is Rich Smith who is on BCF Facebook page, but hopefully Kichwa will reply to you soon.

Lai

I talked to Onesmus on FB chat and he said the area she's in leads him to believe this is the female around the Serena Pump area. Since I've never been in the Mara I don't really know where that would be relative to where the video was taken but at least another lead to follow. I wondered if that could be the one Paul K calls Pumphouse Female on his blog, but I would think both he and Aatish would have recognized her if that were the case.

Ronnie

I just re read Attish's last post on the blog and he reported a female near Serena Pump seen mating. Unless our leopard lost both cubs she would not be mating at this point, so since we have no confirmation of either of the cubs death, this probably is not our Siri. At least I hope not!

Ronnie

I think your right Ronnie, but just to make sure, I'll email Aatish on Monday, and include the photo I took off the Video. I'll also ask him to ask Paul as well, as I did'nt get a reply to my message on Pauls FB page. The search goes on
WS

Ronnie and WS - you are both doing great detective work here ............

Lai

I sent a little nudge to Kichwa Tembo. Hopefully we'll hear back in a day or so. I admit I've been eagle watching a bit, but still on the hunt for our mystery cat.

Ronnie

Think we have a couple of super sleuths in our midst. Sounds like you both have the bit between your teeth and are not letting go until you have the answer.

Well done!



SM

This is the email I sent to Aatish, along with the photo off the Video
Hi Aatish
Sorry to trouble you, but we are still trying to track down our mistery leopard. One of our members posted this on the Forum, and I said I would email you, to ask if you or Paul could confirm this report. I have also attached a photo of our Leopard taken from the Video, which shows her markings on the left side of her face, in the hope that you or Paul might recognise her. I know you said you would have a look through your photos so I thought this might help.

The post on the Forum

RMorr50912 on Sat 31 Mar 2012 - 0:33
I talked to Onesmus on FB chat and he said the area she's in leads him to believe this is the female around the Serena Pump area. Since I've never been in the Mara I don't really know where that would be relative to where the video was taken but at least another lead to follow. I wondered if that could be the one Paul K calls Pumphouse Female on his blog, but I would think both he and Aatish would have recognized her if that were the case.
RMorr50912 on Sat 31 Mar 2012 I just re read Attish's last post on the blog and he reported a female near Serena Pump seen mating. Unless our leopard lost both cubs she would not be mating at this point, so since we have no confirmation of either of the cubs death, this probably is not our Siri. At least I hope not!
Ronnie

WS

That's right SM, Starsky and Hutch ( or maybe Keystone Cops) at your service! That looks good WS. The info and your pic should clear up any doubts. Onesmus said he was with Paul when they saw the mating pair at Serena Pump, but could not get any good pictures. He also said other guides were saying that's not her. Maybe some of the guides we've circulated the video to?

Ronnie

Keystone Cops . I was wondering after we get Aatish's reply if it would be worth going round the contacts like Mara Triangle, Governers, and Kircha, and send the photo, it might be easier for them to show the Guides a print of the pic, than to get them to watch the video ?
WS

That's a good idea WS! It certainly couldn't hurt , and like you said, might be easier to circulate to the Rangers. It sounds like we have a plan!

Ronnie

Back to Starsky & Hutch mode then Lets see what answer I get off Aatish, then we can do the rounds again
WS

Email from Aatish received this morning

Hi WS,


I have had a look through my images and have not managed a positive ID on this leopard. The cubs in the video look to be 7-8 months old. I am still not sure who this girl is. In July 2011, i am not sure if you remember, i had posted an update on the blog where there was a leopard stuck up a tree at the marsh with 2 cubs while the whole marsh pride surrounded them under it. I am still wondering if this could be her. The reason i bring this up is because the marsh is not too far from the Kichwa airstrip. This is only a speculation as i might not be right. Unfortunately, i never managed to get a good facial shot of the leopard that day as she was perched up high in a tree with dense foliage.
Next week wednesday (11th), i am off to the mara. If you could give me the exact location where this leopard was seen, i can try and do some more research on it while i am there. i can also consult some of the other guides who might have come across her. Sorry it has taken so long but i am sure there must be someone who has some more info on this. Ill try my best while we are there next week.


Regards
Aatish

WS

That's great news WS! Looks like we might be finally getting somewhere now! Hopefully he'll be able to find her and she still has both cubs!

Ronnie

WS - that's excellent news that Aatish is going to be back in the Mara. I'm sure he'll be able to find out about Siri.

Lai

Keep your fingers X Guys. I've sent Aatish the location where the video was taken, as stated by the owner of the video
WS