This chance encounter between the two jackals and the wild cat transformed a quiet bushveld moment into a fascinating display of predator behaviour.
Enslin Davel filmed the rare sighting just off the S90 in the Kruger National Park. The S90 is a gravel road in the central part of the reserve, also known as the Old Main Road. It runs roughly between the Satara area and the Olifants/Balule area.
Chance encounter causes commotion in bushveld
The African wild cat is an accomplished hunter and a highly adaptable small predator. However, even an animal with such impressive survival skills can find itself in a difficult situation when confronted by determined competitors… as this cat discovered.
Its chance meeting with two jackals changed the trajectory of its entire day.
Tree offers hope for fleeing cat
The jackals outnumbered the poor wild cat, and chased it for a few moments before it saw a tree, which it perceived as its way out of the threatening situation.
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Cat pulls off world-class balancing act
The cat showed incredible agility as it climbed up the tree trunk. There weren’t branches to cling to, just the arid structure of the trunk, however, this was enough for the determined cat to get out of harm’s way!
It might be surprising to know that African wild cats are primarily terrestrial animals. Unlike leopards, which are famous for climbing trees and often use branches to rest or store kills, African wild cats generally spend most of their time on the ground.
They can climb when necessary, particularly when escaping danger, but they are not considered specialised tree-dwellers.
Seeing one seeking refuge above the ground highlighted just how much pressure the two jackals were applying.
However, if the cat was uncomfortable, it didn’t show it. It climbed up the tree as though it were second nature to do so.
Once it had reached the top of the trunk, it sat balanced at the top of it. Again, there were no branches to soften its climb and assist its efforts. This animal’s skills as a climber were definitely put to the test.
However, when you’re being threatened from below… balancing at the top of a trunk like a highly-trained circus performer becomes possible.
The menacing jackals remained close by hoping the cat would lose its footing. However, they had no such luck.
An adult African wild cat can weigh roughly 3 to 8 kilograms, although size varies depending on sex, age and location.
Their coats are usually sandy, greyish or reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in the dry grass and scrub where they often hunt.
Their relatively small size means that they have to be constantly aware of larger predators and competitors. Lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and jackals can all pose threats, particularly to kittens. Even when another predator does not intend to eat them, an encounter between the two species can become dangerous.
Fortunately, in this instance, the tree was there as a safe refuge.
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