Leopards and spots

How does a leopard change his spots? When it gets tired of one spot it just moves to another. And that is exactly what a male leopard did – with a bit of help from human friends – when he was recently relocated from the Kruger National Park to Mountainlands.

The adult male of about four years, arrived late in the afternoon last Friday. He was under sedation and placed under a tree to sleep off his hangover.  But, since it was late afternoon and winter, there were fears that he may be bit cold when the sun set. So he was covered with a blanket which he shook off when he woke up and stumbled away. This promptly earned him the name “Ngubo”, which is the Swazi word for blanket.

Leopards are known to occur in Mountainlands and sightings have previously been recorded. As it is such a vast wilderness area, Ngubo will be able to roam the mountains and stake his own territory. Let’s hope he finds a good mate soon.

Leopard (Panthera pardus) males can weigh up to 80 kilograms and live for 20 years. Ngubo is healthy and in his prime and is a welcome addition.

Ngubo getting his final medical check-up before release from Dr Ferreira du Plessis (Head Veterinarian) and Ertjies Ruum (Game Capture Unit) of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.