Jan Kriel witnessed this dramatic event and sent his record to Latest Sightings. Jan filmed it while conducting a game drive in the southern Kruger National Park.
Laser focused
As Jan’s video begins, we see a leopard half hidden in the vegetation at the side of the road.
Judging by its focused body language, something unseen has its full attention. Equipped with incredibly sharp vision and excellent hearing, they have evolved to detect the slightest movement or sound.
Bolt to freedom
Moments later, an adult warthog explodes from the dense vegetation on the far side of the road, catching the leopard unawares. While a leopard can run faster than a warthog, they are not built for prolonged pursuit.
Realising it stands no chance of catching the fleeing pig, the leopard does not attempt to chase. If anything, its attention is focused elsewhere as it conserves its energy.
Strange behaviour
Subsequently, the leopard sits on the road for some time, all the while looking at the spot from which the warthog earlier emerged.
Apparently bored, the leopard then went back to where it was first seen, relaxing for a short while near another safari vehicle.
Confusing matters even more, it subsequently returned to the road. Once again, it sat in the middle of the road, aiming its attention at the same place as before. But why?
Unseen target
Suddenly, the spotted cat jumped into action and bolted towards the side of the road that had for so long held its attention. In seconds, it covered the distance before launching itself at a still-unseen target.
After making an initial grab, the leopard momentarily lost its prey. However, in an instant, it recovered to seize it again.
Then, a high-pitched, desperate squeal pierced the air, revealing the identity of its quarry. Sounding much like a domestic pig, the distress call of a warthog is unmistakable.
Then followed an almighty scuffle as the leopard struggled to subdue the violent resistance of the warthog. Warthogs are notoriously tough creatures, equipped with razor-sharp tusks that can do serious damage to attackers.
Of course, as one of the most efficient feline predators on the planet, leopards also have a fearsome arsenal of fangs, claws and brute strength. And, on this occasion, these proved to be enough.
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Mayhem ensues
In the mayhem, the pair disappeared into the dense vegetation at the roadside, shortly before the pig’s squeals abated. We can assume, therefore, that the leopard had somehow managed to clamp its jaws over the hog’s windpipe.
At this point, Jan repositioned his vehicle to get a better look. Unfortunately, the view wasn’t great, but we can just see a portion of the leopard’s spotted coat.
Also visible is freshly excavated earth. This suggests that there is a warthog burrow hidden by the side of the road. We can therefore conclude that when the first warthog fled, the other (probably its mate) stayed behind.
Narrow margin
This video illustrates the narrow margin between life and death in the African veld. Had the unfortunate warthog fled with its partner, it may well have survived.
By the same token, had the leopard chased the first warthog, it may well have come up empty-handed.
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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