The Northern Sabi Sands recently set the stage for Langa the female leopard’s magnificent ‘leap of faith’. This incredible sighting took place by a rather impressive marula tree.
The leopardess had climbed the tree to feed on an impala carcass.
Spectators believed that since she had just scraps left, she might climb down the tree. However, there was a hyena waiting for her just below.
Hyena leaves leopardess trapped in tree
She sat as a sentinel in the fork of the tree trunk. It was as though she was considering her options.
Leopards will avoid direct confrontations with hyenas and this leopard wasn’t taking any chances. Trees are often the ‘safe zones’ which leopards will retreat to, to feed in peace and to avoid confrontation with scavengers and other predators.
Leopardess assesses her options from the treetop
The marula tree is native to southern Africa and parts of west Africa. It is drought-resistant and thrives in warm, semi-arid climates, often growing in open woodlands and savannahs.
This tree was particularly large and provided the perfect vantage point for the leopardess. She surveyed the territory. For her, to come down the tree was to take a ‘leap of faith’.
She edged forwards, with tentative steps. If there was such a thing as ‘tippy paws’, then she was doing just this. Tiny step followed tiny step. All the while, the leopardess remained balanced in the fork of the tree trunk.
When there’s a determined hyena keeping its eye on you, your every move has to be calculated and strategic. It was as though the leopardess was holding her breath and preparing to launch herself forwards.
Leopardess bolts down tree in impressive display of agility
This is exactly what she did.
She literally ran down the tree trunk, with an impressive speed, again showcasing her ability to navigate her way up, and in this instance, down, tree trunks.
She moved with lightening speed and didn’t stop running until she was well away from the tree. Perhaps her audience now held their breath with her.
Leopard’s escape plan, a success
In a moment, the leopardess was in the clear. Her well-calculated escape plan had gone off as planned. She had executed each move with success and left the hyena confounded.
Having just fed and being out of the radar of the hyena, she no doubt ran off into the bushveld with a measure of satisfaction and accomplishment – or maybe just a full belly.
This magnificent sighting showcased the leopardess’ superior ability to scale trunks and traverse the tricky platform of tree branches.
Leopards are one of the most tree-savvy big cats in the animal kingdom. They use trees not only for resting but also for hunting, storing food, and staying safe.
Unlike lions or cheetahs, leopards are incredibly strong climbers and can drag prey much heavier than themselves high into tree branches. This is exactly what this one did with its kill.
Trees also offer shade and camouflage, allowing leopards to rest during the heat of the day while staying hidden from threats. Leopards often choose large, sturdy trees with horizontal branches for both comfort and security.
This marula tree was not just picturesque. It provided the perfect retreat for this lone leopardess to enjoy her meal. While the hyena had waited at the tree’s base, it hadn’t been able to steal her meal.
