Watch the video here:
Deon Kelbrick submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Nkorho Bush Lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Waiting for scraps
As we join the action in Deon’s video, we see a lone spotted hyena lying at the base of a marula tree.
Meanwhile, a few metres above its head, a leopard makes its way down the same trunk.
Considering their respective behaviours, we can conclude the following:-
Stalemate
As the leopard reaches a fork in the trunk, it pauses to weigh up its options. Despite being a fearsome predator itself, it is wary of the waiting hyena.
For its part, the hyena looks completely at ease, nonchalantly looking up at the spotted cat.
That said, the last thing either of these creatures needs is to risk injury in a fight. To do so would hamper their ability to find food, leading to a prolonged and painful death.
Warning issued
Subsequently, the leopard becomes noticeably agitated. Frustrated that the hyena is in its way, it issues a warning snarl, hoping to chase it off.
However, the net effect of its warning on the hyena is exactly zero. Adding insult to injury, the scavenger is not even watching the leopard.
Stymied
In fact, it is so unfazed that it subsequently puts its head down, as if to sleep. As a result, the leopard seems even more perplexed than before.
Not wanting to risk a fight, it looks back up the tree as if considering returning to its kill.
Of course, we can’t tell why it wants to descend, but the most likely reason is to find water.
Slowly does it
Ultimately, the leopard decides that it must take its chances below. With the hyena below showing no interest, the cat begins inching down the trunk.
Then, with the hyena still looking away, the leopard starts angling its body away from its nemesis.
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Leaping to freedom
Then, as momentum and gravity take effect, the agile predator commits to its escape plan. In one swift movement, it leaps from the tree, being sure to put as much space between it and the hyena as it can.
As it falls to the ground, the hyena detects movement in its peripheral vision. Nevertheless, it remains steadfastly disinterested in the fleeing cat. Clearly, it is only interested in the carcass hanging up above.
Escape made good
As it lands on the ground, the leopard wastes no time in making good its escape plan. No sooner does it land than it begins a headlong sprint away from the scene.
However, judging by the hyena’s continued nonchalance, it is energy that might better have been conserved for an actual emergency.
As his video nears its conclusion, the predator is last seen rushing past Deon’s safari vehicle. However, having managed to escape, we’re left with a lingering question.
What is the leopard going to do if it decides to come back for a second helping?
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
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Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
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