Despite the mother buffalo persistently circling the base of the tree all day, the leopard remained perched in the tree, firmly holding onto the carcass of the young buffalo.
The mother buffalo lingered by the base of the tree. (Video: Latest Sightings)
Traveler Yves Strybos witnessed the interaction between the female buffalo and the leopard in Kruger National Park, South Africa, at the end of March. While touring, Strybos was informed that a leopard had just killed its prey. Although it was a young buffalo, it is quite rare for a leopard to successfully hunt while avoiding an entire herd of aggressive buffalo.
However, after the leopard dragged its prey across the road, the mother buffalo did not give up. It stood by the base of the tree where the leopard had taken refuge for most of the day, attempting to reclaim its calf. Strybos and his group drove closer and saw several hyenas alongside the distressed female buffalo. Initially, they thought the buffalo was injured and that the pack of hyenas was following it. However, upon looking up into the tree, they discovered a large male leopard tightly gripping the young buffalo’s carcass.
The mother buffalo stood by the base of the tree where the leopard had taken refuge for most of the day, attempting to reclaim its calf.
The mother buffalo continuously circled around the tree. Meanwhile, the leopard tried to pull the carcass higher and conceal it in a secure spot. After a while, it jumped down from the tree and ran away from the female buffalo. It wasn’t until late afternoon, after confirming that the mother buffalo was no longer there, that the leopard returned to eat its prey.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the four big cat species in the Panthera genus found in Africa and Asia. They range from 1 to nearly 2 meters in length and weigh between 30 to 90 kg. Females are typically about two-thirds the size of males. Despite being smaller than other big cat species, leopards are effective predators. With their camouflage abilities and stealthy habits, they can approach their targets without being detected.
The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the “Big Five” animals on the African continent, alongside lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants. This species can weigh up to 1,000 kg. African buffalo are widely distributed in eastern and southern Africa and are not considered endangered. Male buffalo are among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Their horns are fused together, forming formidable weapons. This species is responsible for approximately 200 human fatalities each year.
