As this video shows, it seems there is never a dull moment in the bushveld. Watching the interactions between species is one of the joys of watching wildlife.
Michael Botes of MalaMala Game Reserve submitted this video.
Lazy lion
Michael’s video begins with a view of a male lion sleeping. Considering lions sleep for up to 20 hours a day, there’s nothing unusual to begin with.
As Michael watches, he notices movement on the far side of the airstrip. Zooming in, he sees another cat approaching.
Leopard on the lookout
Emerging from the scrub, a large leopard is on the prowl. As it spots Michael’s vehicle, it pauses to weigh up its options.
Subsequently, the spotted cat decides it is safe to proceed and starts making its way towards Michael’s position. However, as it gets closer, it spots something that makes it hesitate.
When the lion moves, the leopard spots it. As competing predators, the leopard has good reason to be cautious in the presence of the larger lion.
Consequently, the leopard crouches down, keeping a close eye on the dozy lion. The last thing it wants is to draw attention to itself.
Just then, a piercing alarm call breaks the tranquil silence. A pair of jackals has spotted the leopard and is kicking up a fuss. Accordingly, the leopard turns to leave, just as the lion resumes its snooze.
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Let sleeping cats lie
Sensing the leopard-jackal interaction will offer better entertainment value, Michael leaves the lazy lion and catches up with the leopard.
As he does, we see that the jackals are still following it, yelping continuously as they try to drive it off. Initially, the leopard pays them no mind, content to mark territory as it continues its patrol.
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Leopard loses its cool
But when the jackal’s harassment gets too much, the leopard loses its cool and chases after the jackals.
However, the jackal is too wily to be caught out in the open and easily manages to escape.
Even so, the jackals are not about to stop mobbing the leopard, and soon pair up to resume tormenting the frustrated cat.
This time, however, they adopt a more cautious approach. Whenever the leopard stops to glare at them, they too stop at a safe distance.
Final say
Just then, a new actor joins the drama. Incensed at having the two predators intrude on its patch, a crowned lapwing starts dive-bombing the trespassers.
At this, the jackal’s bravado disappears, and it backs off. Finally free of its pint-sized nemesis, the leopard turns and stalks into the nearby scrub.
Who needs soap operas when there’s so much going on in the bushveld?