Elephant Plains Game Lodge. In the wake of a fierce territorial battle, the lifeless body of a male leopard—believed to be the elusive Xitsalala—was found near the scene of a dramatic clash. Initially, the leopard seen fighting with the dominant male Tortoise Pan was misidentified as Hlambela, who was later confirmed to be in another location at the time. In the chaos of fast, aggressive encounters, such errors are understandable. Sadly, it appears Xitsalala may have faced a second, fatal confrontation that night—an unseen round that ended his reign. This moment underscores the unforgiving nature of life in the wild, where power is constantly contested and survival is never guaranteed.
