The Leopards of Oase

Leopards are some of the most amazing creatures in animals kingdom. They are currently on the endangered species list and have protected status.

Here at Oase we have been closely studying the local leopard population for the last 3 years now. Over that time we have identified 13 unique individuals ranging from just weeks old cubs right through to mature adults. Some of the leopards we see are transient and only appear for a few days at a time and then move on, and other like the one pictured above - 007 (named for is sneaky behavior's) is a permanent resident. We usually see 007 a few times a week and often very up-close and personal encounters - for example the above photo was taken a few weeks ago from about 15m away just after finishing a meal (you can see the evidence of this around his moth and neck).

We first met 007 back in March of 2020 as a 4 week old, shy cub. At the time he has 2 sisters and a brother. Nature takes it course and today only 007 and one of his sisters - Q (yes 007 had to have a side kick). 007 is kind of an unusual leopard in that he has remained on the property far longer than expected. You males are normally forced by the parents to move on and claim their own tertiaries and 007 just moved slightly more toward the Blyde River, but continues to frequently visit the old spaces where it grew up. 

Q on the other hand still shares her tertiary with her mother. Q recently had 2 cubs of her own, and when last seen a few weeks ago, appeared to only have 1 survive. We don't see Q and her cub as much as 007 as her tertiary overlaps between Oase and a neighboring property to the East.

Next time you visit Oase, ask about joining one of our leopard tracking activities where an experienced tracker and ranger takes out small groups of 2-4 people on foot tracking our leopards. It's great fun for adults and kids alike.