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Okavanga — Leopard Descending
#leopard #tanzania #tree #wildanimal #wildlifephotography
Published: 2016-01-27 14:10:48 +0000 UTC; Views: 423; Favourites: 35; Downloads: 1
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Leopard (Panthera pardus)At Last, The Leopards!This is the last in my Tanzanian series of photo essays.
When we embarked on our Tanzanian safari in late October last year, I desperately wanted to see and photograph a leopard (Panthera pardus). I had seen one at Sabi Sands in South Africa years ago in the pre-digital age when I had little photographic gear, and certainly no long lens. Despite repeated attempts in various game reserves over the years, including two days tracking at Phinda Vlei, no further leopard had entered the viewfinder. An experienced guide, Dan Mackenzie, I met on RedBubble http://www.redbubble.com/, where I maintain an alter ego, gave me the useful advice to keep especially sharp eyes around the kopje in the Serengeti. This turned out to be admirable advice. He might also have mentioned to keep an umbrella handy - as we shall see! In fact, we ended up seeing at least seven (7!) leopard, possibly a record for a small party, and this was in very large part because of the remarkable abilities of Alfred the Gr
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Comments: 25
Many thanks for that, Canan. Trying to catch up after being away.
David
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Many thanks for that!
Cheers
David
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You're always welcome dear David!
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Beeeeeautiful capture!!! 
You are so lucky to have gotten this photo.
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Thank you, Linda - there is a lot in this photograph for those who look carefully. I made sure that the horizon was properly horizontal, so we can see that the leopard is coming down almost vertically, but then it has no choice. It has managed to get its front paws on a bole in the trunk, so it has some stability as it descends. The tail is stretched back vertically, adding stability. The back paw is not gripping in any way, and is just adding some balance. But one thing I did not realise until I heard something on the TV about a different animal, is that the paws are not splayed. This means that the leopard has no chance of stopping the descent - not enough purchase. Once committed, the leopard has to move and move fast. This is the most vulnerable time for it if a lion is lurking. Once on the ground and with a clear path, the leopard will be home free, but right now is dangerous.
Many Thanks
David
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I did notice that bole in fact, that it added support. I found myself thinking once again, how great nature is; every little thing about every little thing serves a purpose of some kind!
Yes that's not good for the leopard. Something tells me though, they have come to be very vigilant and equally patient before making their way down a tree. Also, with their reputation for speed and agility, I'd be willing to gamble that lions (unless the opportunity is literally right in front of them) don't waste their time lurking for them.
Especially with what you said about lions being basically lazy (or, conservers of energy - not being tree climbers, for example - even though they certainly can climb if they want to; in order to conserve that energy.
I bet evolution has instinctually taught the leopard this fact about the lion, too.
I believe some of the youths of today have been lions in past lives. They have no energy for any thing. Or at least they are loath to exert themselves.
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Yes, that's the way to think about it, Linda. It is a matter of control. If the leopard has used its vantage point to check for lions or other possible dangers and found none, then it will come down. However, in the couple of seconds it takes to descend, the leopard is vulnerable and its descent once started is out of its control. So, in terms of evolution, it makes sense to get down as quickly as possible and to disappear as soon as it can into the grass. That limits the time over which it has no control.
Cheers
David
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Many thanks for that Georgie.
Cheers
David
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Most welcome, you have a good gallery.
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Many thanks for that, Scott.
Cheers
David
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Wow, it's so.....vertical. I think this shot is really well presented to show their physical dexterity. Beautiful!
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Thank you very much. You are correct - leopards are very agile and fast. I was lucky to get this shot - I fired a burst of 5 over 1 second, and this was the only one that was in focus and not blurred. Once committed to the descent, the leopard moves very quickly as it is vulnerable to attack as soon as it reaches the ground.
Cheers
David
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Thanks for sharing it. It's really fun to watch you!!
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