Foraging in the valley, a troop of chacma baboons was disturbed by the presence of a group of male cheetahs and continuously chased them away.
The scene of baboons chasing cheetahs in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa, was captured by photographer Mike Sutherland, as reported by Latest Sightings on July 26. He, along with a tour group, was following a well-known group of male cheetahs hunting in the deep valleys of the Korannaberg Mountains. As they approached a slope, the cheetahs climbed the rocky outcrops to gain a vantage point and search for prey.
“On the other side of the valley, a troop of baboons was leisurely foraging until two large males spotted the cheetah group and began to sound the alarm. To our surprise, the two male baboons slowly crossed the valley, traversing the open grassland to approach the cheetahs. The cheetahs remained seated majestically, not moving until the baboons charged toward them. The baboons drove the cheetahs off the rocky ledge and down into the grass below,” Sutherland recounted.
Baboons chase cheetahs off the rocky ledge, down into the grass below.
The cheetah group was separated during the chase. After a few minutes of calling to each other, they regrouped and continued down the valley, but the baboons did not stop and launched another attack. The baboons chased the cheetahs further away before returning to their troop. The cheetah group then resumed their hunt until late afternoon.
“I have never witnessed an encounter like this in my 12 years as a guide in Africa. This sighting is incredibly rare, and we were fortunate to witness it. We were all excited and emotional, and relieved that none were injured,” Sutherland shared.
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land mammal, commonly found in Africa and Iran. They can accelerate from 0 km/h to 95 km/h in just three seconds. Their prey includes antelope, rabbits, wild goats, and various other animals.
The chacma baboon (Papio) inhabits Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, birds, rodents, and even the young of antelope and sheep. Chacma baboons live in troops, which can range from a few dozen to several hundred members.
