Marianne filmed a male lion and a leopard cross paths. Instead of lashing out at the another, the animals demonstrated a mutual respect for one another.
Leopard climbs tree as large male lion approaches
Leopards are incredible climbers. This one quickly scaled the trunk of a tree and settled in its upper branches as a male lion entered the vicinity.
As the stately lion approached the tree, it appeared a confrontation might occur. The tension in the atmosphere was almost palpable.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Lions and leopards are both powerful big cats and both members of the Big 5 (the other three species being buffalo, rhino and elephant). Still, while both species are big cats, they differ significantly in size, behaviour, and abilities.
Male lions typically weigh between 150 to 260kg and measure up to 2,6m in body length. Male leopards are much lighter, weighing 36 to 91kg and reaching up to 1,9m long.
While this lion was alone as he walked through the bushveld, lions are also highly social animals which live in structured groups called prides. In contrast, leopards are solitary and stealthy predators which rely on ambush tactics and camouflage.
While lions use brute strength and teamwork to take down large prey, leopards are agile and versatile hunters. The are also capable of climbing trees and dragging prey heavier than themselves into the branches for safety.
Simply, they are at home in the treetops. This is why this leopard sought refuge in a tree’s branches.
The leopard stood as a sentinel, watching from the branches. It was perfectly balanced on the tree’s branches, and the branches gave it the ideal vantage point.
The animal was also wise to have climbed into a tree. The male lion couldn’t possibly outperform it in a tree. Unlike leopards, lions are actually not the best of climbers!
Lion nears tree as leopard looks on
However, as the lion came closer to the tree, it became clear that it was approaching the tree more out of curiosity than anything else.
When it finally stood beside the tree, it looked up showing calm and poise. Its presence was formidable there beneath the tree, as the leopard looked down on it.
The two great cats eyed one another. Neither showed any sign of desiring a confrontation. This was only a momentary eye-to-eye encounter.
The lion looked up at the leopard showing respect.
Having looked up into the branches of the tree and having acknowledged the leopard’s presence, the lion then turned to leave. It walked with the same regal gait away from the tree, leaving the leopard watching it as it disappeared into the distance.
This brief encounter between two of the bushveld’s mightiest animals was definitely memorable.
In this moment, neither one was greatest. The lion stood king of the grassy terrain, and the leopard, king of the treetops.
Overall, lions dominate the open savannas with power and social coordination, while leopards rule the forests and rocky terrains through stealth, adaptability, and independence.