The hunting skills of the serval are truly remarkable and extraordinary in the animal kingdom. With their agility, flexibility, and adeptness in using their powerful claws, they can capture prey with astonishing precision. A serval’s hunting maneuver, especially in trees, is often a dramatic and intense event.
The African antelope moved to graze underneath the tree, unaware that the crafty predator was lurking in the branches several metres above them.
The cunning predator on the tree branch could be either a leopard or a lion. They often employ stealth tactics, lying in wait to launch a surprise attack when the impala ventures near. As the impala moves closer to the base of the tree to graze, the predator waits for the opportune moment to strike.
In this scenario, the impala could become an easy target as it fails to recognize the presence of the predator. This makes them vulnerable to the cunning predator’s ambush. They may be suddenly attacked from above, leaving them no chance to resist or flee.
View to a kill: This is the incredible moment a leopard leapt from a height of 40 feet to snare a spot of lunch in Botswana after spying some impala from a lofty branch
It’s crucial for impalas to remain vigilant and react swiftly when moving in the natural environment. In this instance,
The only way is down: The leopard (circled) plummets towards the unsuspecting herd of impala, grazing peacefully beneath the branches
Within seconds the attack was over – and the leopard held her prize in her jaws.
Down to earth cat: The leopard here is just a split second from hitting the ground
The sneak attack caused the impala herd to flee in fright – except for one poor animal that was stuck in the female cat’s vicious grasp
‘Camera shutters were clicking, adrenaline rushed through our veins, and the remaining unhurt impala quickly scattered and commenced their bark-like distress calls.
Success: The leopard drags its prey off, the rest of the herd having sprinted to safety
‘It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime event and I’m so happy that I was able to experience it with my family too.’
The leopard successfully executes the ambush, seizing the impala. Utilizing its agility and hunting prowess, the leopard swiftly captures its prey with minimal difficulty. Once the impala is caught, the leopard will typically consume its meal quickly to avoid theft by other predators or loss due to other factors such as competition with other animals or even human intervention.
Climbing expedition: The leopard tried and failed to drag the carcass up two different trees to hide it from opportunistic predators
Making a meal of it: The leopard eventually resigned itself to eating the impala on the ground.
This attack serves as an example of how predators in the wild employ tactics and skills to secure food and survive in harsh environments.