Makwela

Phil Perry Wildlife Photos: Leopard Profiles:

Leopard Profiles: Makwela

Makwela was born c. 1993. Known as Makwela for short, her full name is Kwela Pezulu - Tree Climber. She is the senior lady leopard of the area and has had the most success in rearing cubs to maturity. Her first successfully raised cub, Schwenga male, left the area once he became independent. Her next litter was a trio of female cubs who all survived - Mambhirri, Tsonga and Sindile. A highly impressive achievement and testament to Makwela's hunting prowess.

Her male cub from her 6th litter is also independant and has left the area, which is the normal behaviour for a male cub. Makwela lost the whole of her 7th litter, perhaps to lions. Makwela currently has one female cub from her 8th litter, who was born outside the reserve, but now lives inside.

Her territory is centred on the kopjes (small rocky hills) around Ulusaba and Leopard Hills lodges. As her name suggests she is frequently seen lying in a tree - especially marula or jackalberry trees. Wallys is the most likely father of Makwela's cubs, though she has mated with various itinerant males.

If you have any comments or views on the photos or leopards in general, please do email me at the address below:

phil@pperrywildlifephotos.org.sz