Sighting of the Quarter

8/3/2017

Not One, But Three in a Tree

Amazing Leopard Footage at Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana:

Michael Fitt, Wilderness Safaris' Sustainability Coordinator, was working at Mombo Camp, at the tip of Chief's Island in Botswana's Okavango Delta in March. He was fortunate to be summoned by guides to the scene of an incredible siting - Three roaming lions had chased three leopards up into a Rain Tree.

Two large resident male leopards, Blue Eyes and Sargent, had been simultaneously courting a resident female, Pula, trying to win her favor and eliminate the competition. Their fighting had attracted the interest of the three lions and the "weaker cats" were forced to retreat to safety in the nearest tree.

The struggle continued in the tree and Blue Eyes was almost thrown to the ground, but managed to right himself with one strong foreleg that gripped a branch and allowed him to climb back up.

This mix of battle and mating behavior continued for much of the morning, with Sargent emerging as the victorious male. Eventually, one by one, the lions left the scene and the leopards descended.  Blue Eyes continued to follow Pula, perhaps trying to reclaim his former mate – and part of the territory he had lost.

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