Game Sightings:

May was not that productive for game viewing although a number of quality sightings were reported to me over this period.

Jeremy Higgs of no 21 had some fantastic viewing on his visit to the farm and reported good sightings of leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant.

Lion sightings were relatively quiet during May with only a few sightings being recorded. There is clear evidence of a lioness with cubs on the farm at present. I have seen a single, mature lioness on a number of occasions in the Yankee Dam area which is lactating heavily. I am under the impression that she may have cubs hidden in the drainage line near the big Schotia tree. There are tracks of possibly two cubs and herself in the river line leading into a dense thicket on the side of the river. (For obvious reasons I have been a bit hesitant to investigate this thicket on foot!) Evidence shows that this lioness has been to and from this area on a daily basis to drink water at Yankee Dam.
The young lion cubs will normally be introduced to the rest of the pride at about 8 weeks and hopefully we should start picking-up sightings of them soon.
Obviously this time is when they are most vulnerable to predators and often some of the offspring do not survive this period. I am also concerned about the cold weather that we have experienced lately as this might also affect their chances of survival.

Leopard sightings were also scarce and very few sightings were recorded on the farm.

Buffalo have been common on the farm during May and most members visiting the farm over this period will have seen one or perhaps two of the large herds.

There were two sightings of cheetah recorded during May. Both sightings were of the big male who seemed very relaxed and provided some really good viewing. This male has an incredible range and moves between the Umbabat, Timbavati and as far afield as to the western side of the Klaserie Nature Reserve.

Rhino sightings have been regular on the farm. A cow and calf as well as a single male are seen often. There are now a number of active middens on the farm which seem to be used on a daily basis.

A lone hippo bull was seen submerged (as much as possible) in the pan near Hardies Crossing. I can only think that the other resident hippo in the Big Dam had kicked him out after a fight as he had a few battle scars and new wounds on his flank.
Hippo activity around Big Dam has been sporadic and very aggressive at times as these bulls fight for territory over this prime piece of real estate.

It is encouraging to hear of a lot more sightings and reports of the smaller mammals such as honey-badgers, civets, genets and African wild cats.

General game sightings were not very good during May. Zebra, wildebeest and giraffe numbers decreased substantially this month, while kudu numbers seem to have increased.

No unusual bird sightings were recorded on Ndlopfu during May.