Jika

This large male (5-7 years) is a relatively new acquisition to the project and fills the vacuum created by Umfaan's disappearance. Jika, meaning to twist or turn in Zulu, was representative of this individual's uncanny ability to dodge all capture efforts thrown in his direction. Eventually, however, in September 2004 he succumbed and became the first leopard of the study to be caught using the new innovative method of foot-snaring. He is still extremely shy of vehicles, however, seems to have established himself successfully as the sole patriarch of the North, already mating with a number of the resident females (Chinga, Ngoye). His territory extends slightly into Mkhuze though, thankfully for now, he seems to be safe from the ever-present threat of persecution.

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Last updated February 2005.