Matthew Fleischack submitted this video to Latest Sightings. He shot the footage in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
A tranquil moment
In the vicinity of Tengile Lodge lives a female leopard, also named Tengile, which means tranquillity. While Matthew was on a game drive, he found her lying in a dry riverbed, trying to enjoy a siesta.
However, her precious me-time was about to be disturbed. Matthew started filming when he saw a flock of helmeted guineafowl approaching.
Now, guineafowl are well-known to be fairly raucous birds, especially when they sense even a hint of a threat. Consequently, as they made their way through the reeds, they were on the alert for any danger.
If I can’t see you…
And, it was danger they found when they stumbled on the resting leopard. For her part, Tengile was aware of what was to come. So, possibly in a futile effort to avoid their attention, she looked the other way.
Unfortunately for her, the guineafowl weren’t so easily fooled. When they saw her, they immediately started making their strident alarm call.
Don’t ignore us
The birds had good reason to be alarmed. Stealthy and lightning fast, leopards frequently kill guineafowl.
And, as is the way of most species that find themselves frequently hunted, they had to let everyone know. Not just their flock, but every living creature within earshot.
Additionally, they may have thought that if they made enough noise, the secretive leopard would slink off elsewhere.
Give me a break
When ignoring them failed to quieten her tormentors, Tengile looked over her shoulder towards Matthew. Her expression was a mixture of annoyance and resignation, she looked like she was appealing to him for help.
Still, the birds continued their high-decibel broadcast. By now, surely every creature in a two-mile radius knew that something was lurking in the riverbed
Staredown
With no help forthcoming, Tengile turned to face them. While she showed no sign of wanting to hunt the birds, perhaps she thought just looking at them would send them flying for the trees.
Unfortunately, it didn’t have the desired effect, although it did change their demeanour somewhat. As they say, few can sit in the gaze of a leopard and not feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Death stares
As her piercing gaze tracked the bothersome birds, it seemed they started to question their flagrant behaviour just metres from a known killer.
With that, the fretful flock did an about-turn and started inching away from the tormented Tengile.
To hurry them on their way, the leopard gave a brief snarl, reinforcing her disdain for their raucous rant.
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Broadcast resumed
After retreating a short distance, the guineafowls started feeling a little safer. With that, they resumed their ceaseless broadcast.
For the unfortunate predator, it looked like it was going to be a long day.
Alarm calls
Animals use alarm calls to warn other members of a species of the presence of danger. Other species learn to recognise these warning sounds, resulting in an increase in anti-predator vigilance across a wide area.
Some animals, like meerkats, have different alarm calls for different threats.
If you’re in the bush and hear alarm calls, it is well worth investigating. You may get to see a beautiful leopard.