As wildlife enthusiasts, we are all aware that the animals we view in the wild often have interactions with one another during their daily lives. We are not always privy to these interactions but every so often, we get witness these interactions and they can prove to be very interesting.
During a morning safari, there was a sighting of a pack of Wild Dogs on a Kudu kill. The pack was fairly large and discussions began regarding the choice of prey being quite large for Wild Dogs. A lot of the kill was already consumed by the pack and many of the dogs had full bellies. One of the adult dogs was trying to feed a bit more on the carcass but started behaving in an uneasy manner. From the animal’s behaviour, one suspected the possibility of another predator in the vicinity. This suspicion was confirmed when a large male Leopard was seen a short way off from the kill. The male Leopard seemed quite relaxed but was watching the pack of Wild Dogs. After a short time, the Leopard stood up and moved quite calmly closer towards the kill. At this point, the dogs were on alert and some of the adults were letting out a warning call. The male Leopard then charged at the pack of Wild Dogs. A short scene of pandemonium took place, as dogs scattered in all different directions. The male Leopard, as calm as ever, then began feeding on the carcass. He fed very briefly and then started looking around to see what the pack of Wild Dogs were up to. The dogs did not try rush the Leopard at all. This may have been due to them having fed quite well and also because there were sub adult dogs present with the pack. No matter the reason for this, the male Leopard had claimed the kill. The Leopard did try drag the carcass a short distance but decided feeding was more important.
This was a fantastic display of predator interaction and once again, we were privileged to experience this at such close quarters.
We still do not know which of the predators made the kill and this will be one of those mysteries left for the bush to keep secret.
