Mambhirri

Phil Perry Wildlife Photos: Leopard Profiles:

Leopard Profiles: Mambhirri

Mambhirri was born in January 2002 - one of a litter of three female cubs that all made it to maturity. Her father is Wallys and her mother is Makwela. She currently lives in a territory adjacent to her mother, but further south, near Savanna lodge. Her name means 'two' in Tsongaan - she has two spots above her whisker line on both sides of her face (these spots are used to identify individual leopards).

Shortly after gaining independance, she suffered some bad injuries, possibly inflicted by Makwela protecting her male cub. She survived by feeding on small prey items such as crickets and mice.

In October 2006 she had her 1st litter of two cubs. Though one died after about 3 months the female cub is still doing well. It is possible that Kinky Tail (aka the Schwenga Dam male), one of the area's semi-itinerant males, is the father.

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