In the dense vegetation on the banks of the Sand River, a spotted killer lurks, seldom seen. As this antelope found out, when he does show himself, the consequences are often deadly.
Piet van Wyk from MalaMala Game Reserve submitted this short clip to Latest Sightings.
Watch the video here:
Tiptoeing through the undergrowth
As the video begins, we see a lone antelope tiptoeing through the undergrowth. It is a female impala, all on her lonesome.
The Greater Kruger National Park is home to hundreds of thousands of impala, by far the most common antelope. Highly gregarious, they form small herds of 10 to 30 individuals, living under the watchful eye of a dominant male.
Furthermore, a variety of predators, ranging from martial eagles to lions, prey upon these medium-sized antelopes. Consequently, their main defence is in the collective vigilance of the herd, followed by the ability to run at speed and leap great distances.
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Hard to spot
However, unbeknownst to the impala, it has made a huge mistake. By straying from its herd, it has unwittingly singled itself out.
And, in this dense riverine vegetation, that is never a wise thing to do. Especially in the Sabi Sands Reserve, which boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
LEOPARD ————->
In the above image, we can barely make out the head of a very secretive leopard as he enters the frame in the centre-right.
Leopards inhabit diverse habitats, but they thrive in riverine forests, where their dappled coats help them blend into the leafty background. Accordingly, they are very hard to spot.
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Heard rather than seen
As we watch, the impala suddenly starts running. Behind it, a spotted blur is in pursuit. The leopard involved is known as the Split Rock male.
The leopards of the Sabi Sands are famously relaxed, having been habituated to the presence of game drive vehicles for over half a century. However, this male stands out because he is seldom seen.
In the video, we hear more than see the actual takedown. The ranger alerts his guests, there is a strangled sound from the antelope, and a guest yelps in surprise. Job done.
Power personified
However, it doesn’t take long before we are rewarded with a beautiful view of the predator. With the impala’s throat clamped in his jaws, the Split Rock male is power personified.
Despite his impressive size, as a solitary predator, it is important that he leaves the scene of the crime quickly. Leopards often lose their kills to lions and hyenas, drawn by the slightest sound of alarm.
Ideally, he will want to find a place where he can feed in peace. To accomplish both goals, leopards routinely drag their prey up trees where they can eat at leisure.
Should you see an exciting sighting like this, please be sure to send your footage to Latest Sightings.