Luke Hartley, a safari expert for andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, sent this tense video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Sketchy Spot to For a Rest
Luke had come across a leopard sleeping in the undergrowth of the thicket.
Partially obscured by some thin branches, we can clearly see its spotted hind limbs. Being predominantly nocturnal, leopards often sleep for most of the day.
Lioness Arrives
Then, as Luke pans his camera to the right, we learn that the leopard is not alone. A lone lioness has appeared on the scene and is looking intently towards the spotted cat.
As if unable to believe what she is seeing, the lioness initially remains stock still.
In case you’re wondering, lions seldom tolerate the presence of other predators. Given the opportunity, they will kill any rivals they can catch.
Decision made
Having watched the leopard for a while, the lioness realises that it is fast asleep and therefore extremely vulnerable.
Consequently, she decides to stalk the lazy leopard. As she sets off, she walks silently… straight towards where Luke is sitting in his vehicle.
Too close for comfort
Moments later, the lioness passes Luke just a few centimetres away from his vehicle’s running board. However, with her focus firmly on the leopard, the lioness doesn’t so much as acknowledge his presence.
Like all cats, lions are master stalkers. By placing their hind foot exactly where their front foot was, they reduce the chances of making a noise that might give away their presence.
Carefully Chosen Approach
As the lioness passes the vehicle, it carefully chooses a path straight towards the still-unaware leopard. The closer she gets, the more carefully she treads.
Seldom will you see a more perfect example of a lion consciously choosing each step with care.
Before long, all that separates the two cats is a fallen log and the spindly branches that obscured our view of the leopard earlier.
Attack Launched!
Subsequently, the lioness launches what, it has to be said, is a rather lacklustre assault. Perhaps prevented from following through by the presence of the branches, she merely lunges at the leopard.
All she succeeds in doing is alerting the leopard to her presence.
Roar of Defiance
Granted, the leopard does get a massive fright. Instantly, and with a ferocious roar of defiance, it recoils from the looming lioness.
For its part, the lioness proves the adage that she who hesitates is lost. Perhaps thinking that the fight is no longer heavily in her favour, she gives her adversary a moment to react.
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Split-second Decision
And that is exactly what the leopard does. Quickly realising that retreat is its best option, the leopard dashes to the right.
Seeing her foe fleeing seems to remind the lioness that she is the predator, and she sets off in pursuit.
Tried and Trusted
However, she is far too slow. In seconds, the leopard has sought shelter in the tried and trusted manner of her forebears.
After panning his camera wildly for a moment, Luke relocates the leopard. Only now, it is safely up a tree, with only its tail visible. Hopefully, next time it decides to take a nap, it will think twice before falling asleep on the ground.