Ranger Aiden sent this video to Latest Sightings, which he filmed in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park.
Leopard sighting reported
Pilanesberg National Park sits in South Africa’s North West Province, roughly three hours drive from Johannesburg.
Guided game drives top the list of activities in the park, with professional guides leading the way in customised open safari vehicles (OSV’s).
Guides share sightings of sought-after species over two-way radios. Consequently, visitors have a good chance of seeing the Big 5 and other interesting sights.
And, it was on just such an occasion that Aiden arrived to join several OSVs as they watched one of Africa’s most longed-for predators: a leopard.
The leopard spotted is a well-known female name Kgodisa, often seen at several familiar locations.
Daytime hunting
Despite doing most of their hunting at night, their excellent camouflage and stealth abilities enable them to hunt by day. And this is exactly what the spotted beauty was attempting to do.
Although the video doesn’t show us what it is that she is hunting, her focus is absolute.
As she makes her way closer, she has to cross the road, meaning that she will be out in the open and susceptible to discovery. Up to 70% of attempted hunts fail, so every move is crucial.
Nevertheless, the experienced huntress maintains a low profile as she slinks across the tarmac. The thing is, though, she is making directly for one of the OSVs.
Not that this presents a problem. When not persecuted, wild animals in popular wildlife areas grow accustomed to the presence of vehicles.
Available cover
As if to illustrate the point, Kgodisa does something that might shock some. Without hesitation, she lowers herself a bit more and gracefully slinks right under the parked vehicle.
Smart and adaptable, the leopard was using the vehicle for cover when no other option was available.
All this is to the amazement of the vehicle’s passengers who jostle for a close-up view of the passing predator.
We should note that guides consistently advise passengers to remain seated. But this was obviously forgotten by the tourists in the heat of the moment.
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No harm done
Thankfully, the leopard seems to have barely noticed as the vehicle swayed above her. Her attention still firmly on her intended prey, she soon emerged from the other side of the OSV.
Outcome unknown
Whether or not the use of the vehicle for cover ultimately benefited Kgodisa’s attempted hunt is unknown, as the video comes to an end shortly after.
However, the video does serve to remind us of the remarkable tolerance animals develop in areas where they are not harassed or hunted.
Wildlife and vehicles
Having said that, it is important to remember that the only predictable thing about wild animals is that they are unpredictable by nature.
As such, it is important to always follow the rules and instructions given by park management and staff when visiting your favourite wildlife destination.
It is believed that animals see vehicles as neutral objects, unless they are antagonised. It therefore comes down to the behaviour of passengers on board to ensure problem-free encounters.
As a rule of thumb, if you join an OSV game drive, remember to stay seated unless told otherwise, while keeping noise and movement to a minimum.
