A beautiful morning alongside the waterhole
On the morning of 19 June 2022, on their last day at Polentswa, the couple had been woken up by a cheetah call and decided to take a drive.
They saw the cheetah on the ridge, but never got a clear view so after 20 minutes decided to go to the waterhole. Waterholes are excellent spots to observe wildlife, as they attract a variety of animals and birds that rely on water daily. Whether in a national park or a private reserve, spending time near a waterhole can be incredibly rewarding. These vital water sources serve as gathering places for wildlife, offering unique opportunities to witness natural behaviour and interactions.
The couple had previously witnessed two jackals being very entertaining at this same waterhole and so arrived expectant.
Says Bertie: “It was a beautiful morning when we turned onto the road towards the Polentswa waterhole. What happened next was truly one of those moments when your heart starts pumping at a rate as if you were doing a marathon.”
An unexpected sighting
The couple was in for a viewing treat when they arrived at the waterhole. The leopardess, called Olebeli, was sitting upright, looking towards a herd of springbok which were just leaving the waterhole.
Near to her were many doves which had also come for a drink of water. This was when Bertie and his wife spotted the jackals which had started stalking the doves.
The stealthy creature eyed the jackals, which eyed the doves. The jackals were unaware that they were both predator and prey in this scenario.
The interaction between the pair of jackals was a beautiful thing to behold.
Jackals are monogamous, often forming lifelong mating pairs. Offspring from the previous year may stay with their parents longer to assist in raising the new litter, essentially serving as caregivers.
The element of surprise
Watching the leopardess, one could see she was preparing herself to ambush the jackals. Her muscles shifted as she mobilised her strength for a surprise attack.
Says Bertie: “The doves came in for a landing, and the two jackals prepared for an interception in hopes of enjoying an early breakfast. What they didn’t know was that another hunter’s menu looked very different from theirs.”
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The couple explained that one of the jackals made a few attempts while Olebeli was lying in the grass. “The jackal had another go and jumped, but whilst air-born Olebeli took off at the same time.”
Hunter becomes prey
The leopard’s sudden attack left the jackals in disarray.
“He (the jackal) was helpless in the air and the timing of the leopard was spot on. The jackal knew he was in trouble and had no chance. The other jackal jumped up and down and alarm-called but there was nothing he could do.”
The leopard grabbed the jackal by the throat and carried her off.
“I quickly switched on the vehicle and reversed like crazy to get into the main road to see if we could still catch a glimpse of her and her prey.”
The couple related how they had later gone back to the waterhole and seen the jackal’s friend still looking for him. This had brought tears to their eyes.
The sighting highlighted both the tragedy and triumph of the kill, and the poignant connections which exist in nature, which make game viewing all the more beautiful. “It was such a unique sighting, but very emotional at the same time and perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.”