A male leopard literally ran into serious trouble when it attacked a large troop of Chacma baboons in broad daylight.
Merve Mersinligil submitted the video. Latest Sightings uploaded it on August 15, 2023.
Nothing to see here. Except for a leopard
En route to Satara Camp, newlyweds Merve and Viktor considered themselves lucky to have found a young male leopard. After a few seconds, the video cuts to them approaching a troop of baboons ambling along the road a couple of minutes later.
Watch the sighting:
Baboon (Road) Block
Consequently, we hear their bemusement at how relaxed the baboons are–making it difficult for them to pass. It all looks quite idyllic, with no hint of the extreme drama about to unfold.
They can feel grateful that they were delayed.
If they had not been, they would have missed the action.
ALARM!!!
While the troop comprising baboons of all ages walks along, we hear a warning bark from one of the baboon lookouts. Instantly, the scene transforms into a classic display of fight or flight.
Threat Identified: Leopard
While some group members choose the latter, several turn to face the oncoming but as yet unseen threat. Milliseconds later the previously seen leopard comes storming into view on the right, intent on snatching a baboon.
Here Comes The Man
Then, the hero of the hour reacts. From the left, a huge male baboon charges in to face their aggressor.
How’s That, Coach?
With skills that would make any rugby coach proud, the baboon tackles the oncoming leopard and drags it to the ground. However, as it does so, the leopard pins it to the ground.
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Help Is On The Way
While all this was happening, several other male baboons had also begun to advance on the threat. The other baboons immediately assist their compatriot, as the leopard comes to a standstill.
Life On The Line
In fact, when watching the video in slow motion, you can see that for a few seconds, the leopard has the first baboon by the throat. Ordinarily, this would be the beginning of the end for the prey.
The leopard does not determine its fate as we see the baboons mob it.
The baboons bite and pull at the predator, forcing it to release their companion, who beats a hasty retreat.
A Lesson For The Leopard
The baboons attack the leopard for ten seconds. It is a sight of slashing claws, snapping jaws and angry screeching.
Time To RUN!
Then the baboons clear the area for a moment, giving the leopard a chance to escape. The baboons chase it for a short distance, ensuring that the leopard gets the message it is not welcome.
With Merve and Viktor witnessing the spectacle in near silence, it is no surprise when we hear Viktor exclaiming in amazement.
Vigilance Restored
As calm returns, we see several baboons standing guard. And no doubt somewhat proud of how their united defence saw off one of Africa’s deadliest predators.
Mistakes Were Made
As solitary predators, leopards make use of stealth and brute strength to catch their prey. In this case though, when it loses the element of surprise and meets an overwhelming response, it loses any advantage.
This may be down to the fact that the leopard appears quite young, and therefore inexperienced.
Leopards Vs Baboons
Furthermore, with leopards being their mortal enemies, baboons have evolved defensive strategies to deal with them. Primary amongst these is the use of sentinels to look out for danger.
While most of the troop go about their day, male members will alternate sentry duties, usually from elevated vantage points. The alarm call heard as the leopard charged was probably one of them.
We see how effective it is, as the troop immediately knows where the danger is. As such, some can retreat while others rush to confront the threat.
This behaviour is called “mobbing”; where superior numbers neutralise stronger adversaries.
For both the leopard and the baboons, lessons will have been learned… Setting them up for the next fight for survival.