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deseml | profile | all galleries >> Botswana (2003) >> Mammals >> Leopards tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Leopards

We were fortunate to see leopards at all three camps. But the most exciting sighting was at King's Pool where we spotted a leopard walking across an open area, returning to the bush from the river. Our Range Rover was positioned between the river and the bush. As we were turned towards the bush watching the leopard investigate a hole in a termite mound, a lioness walked by the front of the Rover. Surprised by the proximity of the lioness, we then noticed 3 other lions coming from the river towards our vehicle. They were stalking the leopard, apparently using the Rover as a blind! The first lioness tore after the leopard, chased it behind the termite mound (we heard lots of growls from both cats), and then chased it 20-25ft up a tree. We followed and sat near the tree until the leopard figured out how to get down. Meanwhile the lions lost interest and started stalking some nearby zebra. We also got to see the zebra hunt, but the lions were once again unsuccessful.
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Leopard walking from the river to the bush, unaware it was being stalked by a pride of lions
Leopard walking from the river to the bush, unaware it was being stalked by a pride of lions
Is there something edible in the termite mound hole?
Is there something edible in the termite mound hole?
After the lions chased the leopard into a tree, it tries to find a way down
After the lions chased the leopard into a tree, it tries to find a way down
Working its way down head first
Working its way down head first
A tricky maneuver - turning sideways...
A tricky maneuver - turning sideways...
Turning just a bit more...
Turning just a bit more...
Shimmying down the tree was the easy part
Shimmying down the tree was the easy part
A close call -- catching it's breath at the base of the tree before moving on
A close call -- catching it's breath at the base of the tree before moving on
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