The rutting season is a chaotic time for male impalas intent on winning the right to breed. However, as this video shows, wily predators are quick to capitalise on any lack of vigilance.
MalaMala Game Reserve submitted this chaotic video to Latest Sightings. Victoria Craddock filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The sequence forms part of a compilation video.
Watch the video here:
Squaring off
As the video begins, two male impalas are seen standing together. It is early winter, and as the days shorten, the males’ testosterone levels skyrocket.
What follows is a chaotic period during which males compete for dominance, known as the rutting season. As the two males square off, it is apparent that something else is bothering them.
The fight begins
Subsequently, driven by instinct, the pair lowers their heads and begins sparring. As they do, we hear the ranger comment that the impalas are being watched by a third party.
As the fight progresses, the two rams are entirely preoccupied with one another. Consequently, the hidden watcher makes her move.
Amazingly, despite their focus, the impalas see a blur of movement approaching. As their survival instinct takes over, they stop fighting to flee.
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A blur of spots
A fraction of a second later, a spotted blur enters from the right. It is a female leopard hoping to capitalise on the antelopes’ lack of vigilance.
As one of the rams turns to the right, the other flees in the opposite direction and is singled out by the fast-approaching leopard.
Hot on its heels, the predator launches itself, digging its claws into the impala’s black. Subsequently, the pair cartwheels through the grass as the leopard looks for a bitehold.
Although the impala fights back with all its might, it is no match for the cat’s strength and agility.
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Death grip
In no time, the cat clamps her jaws on the impala’s throat, closing off its windpipe.
Minutes later, she drags the deceased antelope towards a bush, hoping to enjoy her hard-earned meal in peace.
However, even as she seeks cover, we’re surprised to learn that the drama isn’t over.
Not worth the risk
Subsequently, the video cuts to a new scene showing the impala carcass under the bush. Strangely, there is no sign of the leopard.
Moments later, the reason for her sudden departure becomes clear when a spotted hyena arrives on the scene.
Not willing to risk injury, the leopard has abandoned her prize. Consequently, the hyena quickly finds the carcass, earning itself a free, and arguably undeserved, meal.
As quick as the kill was, we can only assume that the ensuing alarm calls attracted the hyena. Better luck next time, Miss Leopard.