The scintillating moment was filmed by Tarryn Esterhuysen on a game expedition with Mankwe Game Trackers.
Leopard is sighted just off the road
There’s a reason why leopards have forged a way into the Big 5. This is clear from the very moment one is sighted.
This leopard appeared in the open, walking with purpose; eyes fixed ahead.
Leopards are among the bushveld’s most adaptable predators, found in a wide range of habitats from open savannas and grasslands to woodland and mountainous areas.
Their hunting strategy usually depends on stealth rather than prolonged pursuit. A leopard will often use vegetation, rocks, termite mounds or uneven ground to remain hidden while gradually approaching its prey. Once it gets sufficiently close, it launches a sudden attack.
This is exactly what this one did. It had its sights set on its prey and moved with careful steps.
However, it soon abandoned its careful, silent approach and breaking forth into a sprint, put everything into a memorable high-speed chase.
Impalas rely on speed, agility and the ability to change direction rapidly, however, they have to react instantly if they are to escape this kind of onslaught.
This impala was caught completely off guard!
The leopard pummeled towards it at an impressive speed, showing off its sleek and agile form.
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A leopard is capable of running at impressive speeds over short distances. Its muscular body, powerful forelimbs and flexible spine are better suited to explosive acceleration, manoeuvring and grappling with prey than maintaining top speed over long distances.
Impala, on the other hand, are exceptionally well equipped for escaping predators. These medium-sized antelope are fast and highly agile. Their long, slender legs allow them to accelerate quickly, while their ability to make sudden turns can make it extremely difficult for a predator to maintain a straight-line pursuit.
Determined leopard closes in on impala
Still, for this impala it was too late! The leopard closed in on it at a rapid pace. It has approached undetected and had been near enough to the prey to secure a catch, using bursts of acceleration and rapid changes in direction to eventually pull the buck down.
A successful hunt ultimately depends on timing. This leopard had hunting down to a fine art.
With the impala under its control, it had demonstrated its skill as an apex predator.
Leopard emerges with buck in jaws following successful hunt
The bushveld grew still for a moment, with the long grass clouding the view of both leopard and buck. For a moment the animals had disappeared from view.
However, the majestic animal soon reappeared, stepping out from the grass, with the impala’s lifeless body in its jaws.
It walked quite regally with its trophy, parading it in something of a triumphal procession before disappearing into the thicket.
The encounter revealed the remarkable adaptations which have allowed both species to survive. The leopard’s sudden burst of speed was a reminder that this normally stealthy cat can become an explosive sprinter when an opportunity presents itself.
This leopard definitely seized the moment!
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