Changing A Leopard's Spots: The Adventures of Two Wildlife Trackers

by Alex Van Den Heever

‘Alex and Renias are what we need in these times of racial mistrust and lack of cohesion. I found this book compelling and “unputdownable” as it goes beyond wildlife to life, love, trust and community. It is about generosity of spirit. It serves as a reminder that humanity needs to respect, love and appreciate nature.’ – SELLO HATANG, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation World-renowned wildlife trackers Alex van den Heever and Renias Mhlongo have spent three decades working together, tracking leopards and lions at Londolozi, jaguars in South America and grizzly bears in the United States. In Changing a Leopard’s Spots , Alex shares stories from his life with Renias, including the successes, failures, dramas, laughter, disappointments and highlights. As they experience numerous adventures, Alex and Renias learn to trust and rely on one another – both in order to stay alive, in a literal sense because of the sometimes dangerous environments in which they work, but also to develop a deep and meaningful relationship. By challenging each other and learning from one another, they break down social, cultural, racial and personal boundaries and obstacles that often divide South Africans; and in the process, the two men forge an unbreakable bond.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jaron De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the stuff about the leopards. Yeah really good.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The insight into the life of a tracker and a guide is valuable - so many years of patience and dedication makes me have huge respect for their knowledge. The relationship between guide and tracker is clearly extremely important and the author devoted a great deal of time and effort to learning Shangaan and understanding Renias, his tracker’s culture, resulting in a mutually respectful friendship.

[Sören Decraene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book covering both the skills and stories of animaltracking as well as the difficulties/challenges faced by intercultutal friendship. I would love to go tracking with Renias and Alex one day!

[RebeccaHarris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me a new appreciation of wild life tracking and the people involved in the industry.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im a sucker for anything that has to do with Londolozi. Really interesting to learn about the origins of the Tracker Academy and the sharing of cultures between Alex and Renias.