A leopard executed a perfect ambush and captured a chacma baboon, but was unexpectedly chased off by other members of the baboon troop, forcing it to flee.
The confrontation between the leopard and the chacma baboons. (Video: Latest Sightings)
Solomon Ndlovu, an experienced safari guide, captured this remarkable interaction between a leopard and chacma baboons at the Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa, as reported by Latest Sightings on June 4th. Ndlovu was taking guests on a tracking adventure when they heard a commotion in the distance and quickly realized it was a troop of chacma baboons. The leopard sensed it too and almost immediately began to stealthily move in for a strike. Ndlovu repositioned the vehicle to stay out of the way of the animals.
Leopards are particularly fond of hunting chacma baboons. Due to their significantly larger size, leopards can easily hunt these primates. However, a troop of chacma baboons typically consists of over 50 members, and without the element of surprise, they can pose a considerable risk to the leopard. As the leopard heard the approaching baboons, it hid behind a rocky outcrop, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack. The baboon family, completely oblivious to the imminent danger, charged forward.
Leopards are particularly fond of hunting chacma baboons.
One by one, the chacma baboons crossed the road right in front of the ambushing leopard. Nevertheless, the leopard calculated its move carefully. Without making a sound, it allowed several baboons to pass before identifying a suitable target. The leopard then lunged out from behind the rock like a rocket. The baboon reacted almost instantly but was too late. The leopard pounced on the baboon with all its strength. Within minutes of struggling, the baboon was dead. Now, the leopard just needed to drag its prey to safety.
However, the troop of chacma baboons was not about to let it escape easily. The lead baboon chased after the leopard, followed closely by other troop members. This could have been an effort to save their comrade or a desire for revenge. The baboon troop caught up with the leopard and surrounded it. A chaotic scuffle ensued, forcing the leopard to abandon the freshly killed prey for its own safety. The baboons’ screams startled the leopard. Realizing there was no way to escape with its meal, the leopard bolted as soon as it spotted an opening in the baboon’s encirclement. However, the baboons could not rescue their fallen member. The leopard knew exactly when to return and claim its meal once the baboons had retreated.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the four big cat species in the genus Panthera 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 formidable hunters. With their camouflage abilities and stealthy habits, they can approach their targets undetected.
