Safari en Avion Afrique Madagascar

October 2007 News

The month of October proved to be another very interesting month regarding my study leopards. The old male, Mathata, again went 'missing' and having no luck on the ground, the only option was to try from the air...
On the 5th of October myself, Jeanetta and our French Navy Search & Rescue pilot – Vincent, went aerial tracking. After a mere 35min of flying, I managed to locate not only my other 3 leopards, but also the 'missing' Mathata. By flying according to a grid pattern, mapped out by Vincent beforehand, we quickly managed to find the missing leopard. Mathata was found close to the Limpopo River and now knowing better where he lives, I've managed to track him down (by vehicle again) a few times since. He is still looking in great condition and seems to be doing well. Recently there was a report from Mashatu rangers of a big male leopard living west of Main camp – the same area Mathata usually lived! It could be that the 'new' male pushed Mathata out of his territory. Time will tell...

I would like to thank Vincent for his enthusiasm and support in helping me find the 'missing' leopard. Without the aerial support I could still be looking for Mathata...

Regarding my other 3 study leopards, Skebengwa and Lesedi was seen mating and Kgwedi is also doing fine. Lesedi left her home range and joined the big male, Skebengwa, at Whitecliffs where we found them mating numerous times.
I was also fortunate to see Kgwedi stalk and catch an impala ram. I had to wait for almost an hour for her to make her move, but after 3 attempts during the night she managed to catch an impala! An interesting month indeed.

Predator regards

Andrei Snyman