Although predators normally kill what they eat, they’re not averse to a bit of scavenging when the opportunity presents itself. Although an apex predator itself, this leopard wisely moved off when a pair of lions interrupted his meal.
Neels Welsh submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it over two days while visiting South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Resting out of reach
While out on a game drive, Neels and his companion were lucky to spot a leopard resting high up in a tree. Hanging in the branches nearby, they noticed a partially eaten impala.
Leopards routinely take their prey into trees to prevent scavengers from stealing it. For the most part, the strategy works well, as most other predators don’t climb trees.
Same tree, different cat
The following day, Neels returned, hoping to see the leopard again. However, to his surprise, he found another cat species in the tree.
Exactly where the leopard had been resting, a lioness was now feeding on the remains of the impala kill. Not looking nearly as comfortable as the leopard, it had somehow managed to chase the leopard off.
Meanwhile, the leopard was wisely keeping out of harm’s way in a nearby tree.
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Will climb when necessary
Subsequently, when Neels zooms out, we see that there are, in fact, two lions in the tree. However, the second lion cannot get close to the kill.
Due to their size, lions seldom climb trees. However, when the opportunity for a free meal comes along, they can climb if necessary.
Competition amongst killers
In the video, we hear the sound of cackling hyenas and growling lions in the background. While we’re not sure what was happening, the second lion was evidently happy to stay in the tree while it continued.
The presence of three predator species in close proximity highlights the intense competition for food resources between Africa’s top predators.
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Descend with dignity
Subsequently, the lioness decided she had had enough to eat. Gingerly, she extricated herself and joined her pride mate at a fork in the tree.
With no reason to stay up the tree, the pair now had to work out how they would get out of the tree without embarrassing themselves.
Although somewhat clumsily, they eventually managed to do so.
Indignant leopard
Meanwhile, from its lofty perch, the leopard looked on, unimpressed. Not only had he lost his prized kill to a pair of neighbourhood bullies…
He was also forced to watch while one of them ate it. Adding insult to injury, he then had to wait until the two clumsy cats left the scene before he, too, could descend.
However, if you’re going to survive in a tough neighbourhood, it’s probably best to wait it out. After all, there are plenty more impalas where that one came from.