Benji Solms sent this short video clip to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting Serondella in Thornybush Game Reserve.
Unique cats, unique behaviour
Among the big cats, leopards stand out for various reasons. Solitary, stealthy and incredibly beautiful, they are highly sought after by all Nature lovers, especially photographers.
Whether with or without a camera, one of the most iconic moments to witness when viewing leopards is when they hoist their prey into a tree. This behaviour is unique to leopards, allowing them to safely stash their food away from predators.
And it is this rare privilege that Benji was hoping to witness while watching the female leopard featured in this video.
Earlier, the predator had killed a sub-adult impala ram. Mature, male impalas weigh up to 70 kg, making them somewhat heavier than a female leopard at 60 kg.
However, we note that the leopard has disembowelled the ram, bringing down the weight somewhat.
Initial movement
After her initial jump onto the trunk of a marula tree, she settles herself. She takes her time to anchor both her front and rear paws into the bark.
Of course, all the while she is bearing the full weight of the impala with her jaws, neck and shoulders. Notably, it takes her a while to place her hind paws as she doesn’t want them to obstruct her progress later on.
Upward boost
Next, she boosts herself upwards, letting go with her front paws as she pushes with her hind legs. In an instant, she must sink her claws into the trunk again before losing momentum.
Boost, grip, repeat
To do this successfully, the leopard needs to maintain upward momentum. So, no sooner have her front paws found purchase than she is again pushing with her hind legs.
She makes good progress with her first two upward lunges, but as she launches for a third time, things start to go wrong.
Rhythm disrupted
On this occasion, something happens that disrupts her rhythm. As she reaches out once more with her front paws, she somehow fails to get her claws into the bark.
With that, she loses all upward momentum. For a moment it looks like she may recover, but then, gravity takes over.
Back to Earth
Consequently, the leopard and her prey can do nothing but obey the laws of physics. With her prey still firmly secured in her jaws, she starts falling back to Earth.
Thankfully, it is not too far and her limber body easily absorbs the impact of the fall.
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Left to ponder
Probably tired from the exertion, the video concludes with a view of the leopardess seemingly pondering her next move.
Unfortunately, Benji’s video concludes before we find out whether she was successful with a second attempt.
Worth the wait
As mentioned, hoisting prey into trees is a behaviour unique to leopards. When done successfully, it means that they are able to keep their food from all but the most determined lions (or other leopards).
Should you see a seemingly abandoned carcass up a tree, it may be worth your while to wait around for a while. While you do, scan the area carefully in case it is resting nearby. With patience, there is a good chance you’ll get to see it.