Umfaan

(July 2004: unfortunately this leopard is missing; we believe he was illegally shot and his collar destroyed - the 7th animal lost since 2002; compared to the single cub which has survived to independence)

This relatively large male (estimated age: 4years) holds sway over the north of the reserve and has, at least, five female ranges that overlap with his territory. He has not been dominant in this area for particularly long and has been rigorous in establishing himself as the sole supremacy. He moves extensively each night, calling regularly and scent-marking and scraping continuously as he patrols the numerous roads included in his territory. Since his capture in July 2003, he has been recorded mating with three different females (Kezi, Chinga and an uncollared individual), which hopefully will result in a new generation of leopards in the north. Thankfully, he has yet to cross out of the reserve and hence should not be vulnerable to the ever-present threat of hunters. His diet generally includes prey animals slightly larger than those utilised by females, and he has been recorded feeding on adult nyala bulls on a number of occasions, as well as a zebra yearling.

Last updated February 2005.