The waterhole attracted a range of species, which had gathered to revitalise their strength by the waters.
However, the animals were unprepared for the threat which lay beneath the water’s surface.
Antelope gather around waterhole
Waterholes are a source of sustenance and life in the game reserve. Animals will frequently visit here, with water being a fundamental source of life.
Two species of antelope could be seen in this tranquil setting. The first, impala, were gathered in numbers at the water’s edge. They also walked about on the river banks, and seemed in no hurry.
Just across from where they stood, some sable antelope had gathered; also seeking the renewed strength and vitality which comes from a long drink of water.
There were mostly male sables among their ranks and they gathered together and drank the water, standing in a group at its edge.
Behind the camera, Jenny gave no indication that she was aware of anything threatening happening in the vicinity. She held the camera steady and for her, this was a glimpse of the peace which pervades the bushveld.
Perhaps the impala were aware something was amiss as their tails flickered, displaying the telltale white of tails on alert. Their momentary skittishness suggested they were aware of some kind of presence in the water.
Sable drink at water’s edge
The sable, however, remained at peace. They continued to drink from the water’s edge, until one of them decided to venture a little further into the depths.
This was a miscalculated step, as in a flash, the water stirred and a large slash broke forth. All of the sable moved away from the water; except for one, which in a moment disappeared beneath its surface.
No doubt, a crocodile had snatched the antelope. The animals had been unaware that it was approaching them. Jenny now zoomed in to allow a closer glimpse of the action. Her video of a tranquil river setting had been transformed in a moment into a clipping of dynamic action.
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Crocodiles are incredibly patient hunters. They can lie completely still for hours, sometimes even days, waiting for the perfect moment.
Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads, allowing them to stay almost completely submerged, with minimal movement to avoid detection.
Crocodiles have pressure-sensitive receptors called Integumentary Sensory Organs (ISOs) on their snouts and jaws which can detect tiny vibrations in the water, such as the ripples from a drinking antelope. This helps them to pinpoint prey without needing to see it clearly.
As in this sighting, they usually strike when the antelope lowers its heads to drink. This is when the prey is least alert and most vulnerable. The sable had made the mistake in letting its guard down and going to deep into the waters.
As with this unfortunate sable, crocodiles will make their move when the buck sips from the water, as the prey is focused on drinking and not scanning for danger.
Captured sable disappears from view
Large ripples covered the surface of the waterhole. By this stage, the antelope had left the water’s edge.
The shape of the crocodile could be seen moving through the water, and with its movement, the water continued to ripple outwards.
Then all was still again, with the large buck now complete gone from view.