Puma

*This leopard is currently missing

This young male (estimated age: 3-3.5 years) was captured (January 2003) on a reserve neighbouring Phinda, where he was taking shelter under a house after being involved in a territorial fight. This skirmish left him completely emaciated, with a number of deep lacerations and puncture wounds on his back and hindquarters. He has recovered well over the course of the year and only a characteristic star-shaped scar on his left thigh bears testament to this past incident. Of all the project animals, he is without doubt the most cosmopolitan in his use of different properties. To date, he has been found on five different properties, including a cattle farm, a national park, community land and two different private reserves. In a similar manner to Sinkwe, he may be attempting to establish himself as a territorial individual; however, his habit of frequently crossing boundaries puts him at great risk to human persecution. Puma also has the most varied diet of all the collared leopards, including such exotic prey items as a spurwinged goose, porcupine and a water monitor.

Last updated February 2005.