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Chinga
This adult female (estimated age: 5 years) is, without doubt, one of the most relaxed of the project animals and has provided a wonderful spate of sightings and mass of useful information since her capture in February 2003. Her original home range incorporated an open marsh system in the north-eastern corner of Phinda; an area studded with numerous Ilala palm trees interspersed with scattered acacia woodland. Although this environment provided an abundance of food and plethora of good vantage points, there was a conspicuous lack of male leopards in the area and, with her coming of age and attaining sexual maturity towards the latter part of 2003, she was forced to move further afield in an attempt to locate a potential mate. She has subsequently been seen mating with a number of different suitors (including Jika, the current collared territorial male presiding over much of the north of the reserve).
Chinga gave birth to her first litter in early February 2005. It is unknown how many cubs she had but one female cub, Ntombi, has survived and is now independent. After giving birth to Ntombi, her first cub, Chinga completely forsook the portion of her original home range east of the marsh. The den sight was in closed woodland and she restricted her movements to this area until Ntombi was old enough to move. Chinga left Ntombi when she was only 7 months old, which is very unusual as cubs normally only become independent between 12-18 months. However, in December 2005 the reason behind Ntombi’s, seemingly, premature state of independence became apparent when Chinga was discovered to have a new litter of cubs. Such uncharacteristic behaviour could have been due to Chinga’s inexperience as a mother, although Ntombi appears to be a very capable leopard regardless.
Chinga’s movements were also confined to the vicinity of her den site for her second litter. Again, only after her cub, Inyanga – also a single female, reached four months did she start moving her around to kills. This time Chinga stayed with her cub until 13 months of age.
Chinga has recently had her third litter, and is using the same den site again. We are awaiting confirmation on the number and sexes of these cubs.
To adopt Chinga, click here.
Last updated February 2005.
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