The male warthog ran out of the burrow first, while the female warthog and her two piglets were unable to escape the clutches of the leopard.
The leopard stalking the warthog family. (Video: Caspar Siebel).
Photographer Caspar Siebel captured an unusual hunting scene of a leopard in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa, as reported by Latest Sightings on December 27. Siebel, along with his father and a guide, was touring the reserve by vehicle when they spotted the leopard walking along a path. Realizing the animal was in hunting mode, the group decided to follow it. After about half an hour, they observed the leopard approaching the warthog burrow.
“The leopard circled the burrow and created a commotion at the exit opposite us. It tried to lure the warthog out through the exit closest to us, and that’s exactly what happened. The male warthog emerged first and then dashed away as quickly as possible towards the bushes,” Siebel recounted.
The piglets attempted to follow their father but were too late. When the first piglet emerged, the leopard was already there and quickly pounced. The second piglet also rushed out, but upon seeing the predator capturing its sibling, it seemed to freeze in fear, Siebel noted.
When the first piglet emerged, the leopard was already there and quickly pounced.
Leopards typically avoid taking risks with prey and will carry them up trees once captured. However, this time was different. The leopard dropped the first prey because it realized it was too badly injured to escape, then quickly seized the second piglet. Shortly after, the female warthog chose the wrong moment to emerge from the rear exit. By this time, the leopard had already taken down both piglets, and upon hearing the female warthog, the predator abandoned the second piglet and swiftly lunged for its final target.
Leopards (Panthera pardus) are distributed across Africa and Asia. They are opportunistic hunters, often stalking prey either on the ground or in trees. Leopards are excellent climbers. During the day, they spend most of their time resting under rocks or in shady spots among branches. At night, they typically hunt instead of sleeping. Their prey includes antelopes, deer, wild boar, rabbits, fish, birds, and various other creatures.
Common Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) belong to the Suidae family and are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their fierce appearance, they are herbivorous. They are highly adaptable and can withstand long periods without water. The gestation period for female warthogs lasts 5-6 months. They typically give birth to 4 piglets or fewer per litter. Female warthogs nurse their young for about 4 months.
