Early GPS locations on this leopard shows that his range coincides nearly 100% with Houdini's former range, which adds fuel to the speculation that this is the cat that displaced Houdini.  He now ranges across the northern section of Hlambanyathi and occasionally ventures into the southern open plains of the reserve.  His western boundary only extends about 500m further west than Houdini's did.  This large male is on continual patrol and covers his range every 3-4 days unless he lingers around a kill.  He is quite easy to find at night and is not averse to moving huge distances across open areas to get to the extremities of his range.  We know of 2 females' territories encompassed in his which is below average for a male as large as he is.  His dominant status probably accounts for his confidence around vehicles and although he never hides away when a vehicle approaches he prefers a distance of about 30m to be kept between himself and the vehicle.  Any closer approach results in him jogging ahead until he is about 30m away again.  Regular follow-ups should result in him relaxing more and ignoring vehicles in future.  His name comes from a distinctive T-marking above his right eye although several other suggestions were made referring to two massive but less flattering parts of his anatomy!  Imagine two oranges next to each other and names like Outspan and Oros came up...  He was probably the cat that killed Vukile's litter from last year although he now is the sire of her 2009 litter.  His long-term dominance in the area should make it safer for these cubs to grow up.

 

T-Bone's distinctive T above his right eye                       

           

Typical first-time sightings of the leopard in tall grass                     

T-Bone heading down a game path towards the Hlambanyathi stream