Among Africa’s apex predators, only African wild dogs enjoy a higher hunting success rate than cheetahs. Their prowess is thanks largely to their incredible speed and agility.
As the fastest land mammal on Earth, few prey species can escape them. However, as we see in this footage, if they fail to prepare, they prepare to fail.
Open woodland
As the footage begins, we see one of two cheetahs making its way through the long grass of an open woodland. With few obstacles, this is ideal hunting terrain.
However, the open terrain means the cheetahs are clearly visible. As we hear the alarm calls of impalas, we realise that this hunt is not off to a good start.
Not strictly solitary
Subsequently, as the camera pans back to the right, we see the second cheetah, making no effort to hunt.
Although cheetahs are typically solitary, they occasionally hunt in small groups. This is the case when mothers have grown cubs and when males form alliances.
On the alert
Meanwhile, the camera pans back to the left, revealing a large herd of impalas adjacent to thick riverine bush.
The whole herd is on the alert. With so many scanning for danger, the chances of a successful hunt are dwindling by the moment. Consequently, while some keep watch, others decide it’s time to run.
Cheetahs are most successful when they manage to stalk within striking distance before launching their attack.
Strange tactics
But as the cheetah reappears in the open, it is obvious it has decided to forego this tactic. However, it may be spooking the herd to see if there are any sick or injured animals in their midst.
Whatever the case, from what we can see, the cheetah doesn’t get even remotely close to the impala. As for the impala, they scatter in all directions. While some head for the thickets, two of them outflank the predator and run in behind it.
New opportunity?
In doing so, the two rams have inadvertently gotten themselves into a tricky situation. Possibly unaware of the second cheetah, they are now sandwiched between the two cats.
However, the second cheetah seems to realise that there is no point in pursuing them. Instead, it watches its partners’ inept attempts at hunting.
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Trying hard or hardly trying?
In the next scene, we catch up with the first cheetah. As before, it seems to be running around in circles, easily outmanoeuvred by the vigilant impalas.
As the footage ends, the overly confident predator is last seen running back towards the thick vegetation by the river.
Perhaps it would be better off returning to its partner and rethinking their hunting strategy.
Hungry or inexperienced?
One can’t help but wonder what method there was in this apparent madness. By making no attempt to conceal themselves on their approach, the hunt was pretty much over before it began.
The two most likely explanations are desperate hunger or inexperience. Whatever the case, we can only hope they learnt something from the experience.
