Mala Mala Game Reserve - Cyberdiary

Two Eyrefield lionesses with their cubs relaxing – 25 June 2010

These two lionesses seem to be moving their cubs up and down the river on a more regular basis. For the past two weeks they’ve been around the Wildebeest Crossing area. Early one morning their tracks were found heading south on the western bank around Wildebeest Crossing. They went past the airstrip and all the way to West Street Bridge, which is a far way for such young cubs to walk. When rangers found them they were in the river walking south, and after a while came to rest in a shady spot under some thickets. The cubs seemed playful even after walking such a long distance, and provided outstanding viewing for everyone. Once it got very hot all five lions relaxed in the shade on the sand bank.


Kikilezi female leopard and cubs out on patrol – 25 June 2010

Late in the evening the Kikilezi female was found on patrol with her two cubs in tow. Sadly there is still no sign of the third cub, which has been missing for almost three weeks now. Mom was walking and scenting while her cubs followed. They are now old enough to keep up with her, and are able to run for cover should the need arise. Rangers found the mother and cubs walking south around the loop in New Firebreak, which is the middle of her territory. Either she was heading south after her visit to West Street earlier in the week, or she just recognized the fact that she needs to pay attention to the southern part of her territory now that her cubs are older. If she doesn’t chances are good that her younger sister will take it. We will have to wait and see what happens.

Two Eyrefield lionesses and the Bicycle Crossing male leopard meet again. – 26 July 2010

The Bicycle Crossing male seems to be making a habit of running into the two Eyrefield lionesses this week. He first came across them after they killed the baboon earlier in the week, and then they stole his bushbuck kill. Finally he met up with them again early one morning, as he scented and patrolled his territory on his way south to the Buffalo Pans. They seem to be hunting and moving during the day rather than at night, presumably so they can spend time with their young cubs. As soon as the lionesses saw him they gave chase and sent him running into the bush and down towards the Sand River. They gave up once he disappeared down a steep bank towards the river. This dominant male was later found on the western bank of the Sand River moving quickly north. Every so often he looked back over his shoulder in the direction of the lionesses on the opposite bank.

Missing Kikilezi female leopard cub lost and alone – 26 July 2010

A young male leopard cub was found mid morning on some rock around the lower reaches of the Manyelethi River. He was not very relaxed, and there was also no sign of any other cubs or a mother in the area. Once they returned to camp and had a look at some photos, rangers realized that it was the Kikilezi female’s male cub that’s been missing for almost three weeks. His mother and siblings had been seen the night before about 3km away from the area where he was found. Due to the fact that he has not been seen with his mother and siblings for the last few weeks, it must be assumed that he is lost. Hopefully he will not encounter any other predators or trouble. And perhaps by some slim chance he may even manage to get back to his mother and siblings. Unfortunately, with so much time having already elapsed things don’t look good for this young cub. That said, the Kikilezi female is a good mother and she will not give up looking for him.



Elephant Bull - by Ant Mulligan