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Niha Kardame submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed the interaction along the H4-2 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Happy family
Motherhood for animals in the African bush is not for the faint-hearted. With many dangers to contend with, mother animals must keep their wits about them or risk losing their precious offspring.
Besides the risks of separation, starvation, and illness, predators pose the greatest challenge. And it is just such a dilemma that a warthog mom finds herself in as we join the action.
What have we here?
To begin with, it appears all is well. The mother grazes peacefully, while her two piglets follow close on her heels.
However, a black-backed jackal emerging from behind her soon shatters the illusion of tranquillity.
The jackal has spotted her offspring, and there is no doubting that its intentions are anything but friendly.
Jackals are medium-sized carnivores that feed on carrion and any small prey they can catch. As such, a tiny warthog would be a welcome addition to its diet.
Weary
Nonetheless, the jackal seems to realise that the mother warthog won’t simply let it take one of her babies. Accordingly, it keeps a safe distance while wearily circling the trio, looking for any opportunity to grab one of the piglets.
Consequently, when the mother turns her back on the predator, it readies itself to dash in. However, this time it is the piglets themselves that thwart its devious intentions.
Instinctively, they remain close on their mothers’ heels, simultaneously using her body to shield them from attack.
Well aware
While at first it may have appeared that the sow was oblivious to the jackal’s presence, its latest manoeuvre sees her spring into action.
As her babies dutifully position themselves behind her, she turns to face their tormentor. Warthogs are nothing if not bold animals, well capable of defending themselves when necessary.
Additionally, she holds a considerable size advantage and carries sharp tusks. Knowledge of this has likely kept the jackal at bay until now.
Escalation
Subsequently, the adversaries engage in a brief stand-off. However, neither animal is prepared to surrender. An escalation is called for.
With that, the mother warthog charges at the jackal…
In response, the agile jackal flees. However, it is far from giving up with such tender morsels on offer. Accordingly, when the mother’s pursuit ends, it continues to circle, patiently waiting for a new opportunity.
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Element of surprise lost
But the mother pig is now on the alert. Consequently, she meets each of the jackals’ subsequent darts and feints with equal aggression.
At this point, the outcome of the confrontation is far from determined. Both animals show determination, and fatigue will likely determine the outcome.
One or the other
Either the jackal will decide to spend its energy elsewhere, or the warthog will drop its guard for a crucial second.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to find out who prevailed. As the video ends, the mother is seen leading her babies away. Somehow, we think they’re in good ‘hands’.
