HOME | DD
Okavanga β Tree Lions
#climbing #lion #tanzania #tarangire #trees #wildanimal #wildlifephotography
Published: 2016-01-27 14:12:44 +0000 UTC; Views: 738; Favourites: 52; Downloads: 9
Redirect to original
Description
Panthera leo.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 RedBubbleΒ 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
Related content
Comments: 25
As I've said below in another reply, by and large lions don't climb trees as they are not very good at it. However in extremes of heat they might so that they can catch a cooling draft, or if they have learned their terrain they might go up to get a longer view - looking for game. Here, I think these guys were just trying to chill out.
David
π: 0 β©: 1
interesting!
i hope these guys are having a good time.
and also nice shot
π: 0 β©: 1
They can do, but generally no they are not so good or so inclined to climb. However, if young ones are hot and/or want a longer view, and the tree is easy to climb, then they may do so as in this shot.
Many thanks for your comment.
David
π: 0 β©: 0
Unusual to see lions actually up trees, as they are not good climbers.
Many Thanks, Steven.
David
π: 0 β©: 0
You wouldn't call the fire brigade to get this lot down!!!!Β
π: 0 β©: 1
David
π: 0 β©: 0
Oh wow again!!! Β Wonderful framing and who knew lionesses took the time to lounge in trees!
π: 0 β©: 1
Exactly, Sheri - tree lions - who would have thought! Not a sight that you see every day, but lions do climb trees on occasion. But, not usually their preferred location.
Many Thanks
David
π: 0 β©: 1
It is a fascinating shot, David! Β I think is is worthy of submitting it to the annual National Geographic photography contest. Β I think you have several contenders that are worthy of it, like "Two Headed Zebra", and you shot of the Serval. Β They are unique and think you should think about it.
π: 0 β©: 1
Good point, Sheri - I shall have a look at the web site.
Cheers
David
π: 0 β©: 1
This is quite artistic in composition, I really love this! 
π: 0 β©: 1
Indeed, very lucky, Linda. We had been here for several minutes but they were asleep and difficult to see. We went on further to see the leopard, but when we came back, these guys were just hanging like this - amazing.
Many Thanks
David
π: 0 β©: 1
Good point, Gigi - they do. Lions do relaxation very well!
Many Thanks
David
π: 0 β©: 1
Never seen a picture of a lion in a tree before.Β Wonderful image.
π: 0 β©: 1
Many thanks, Robert. Yes, lions can climb trees and sometimes do so, as in this case. I think the sole reason that they do occasionally seek arboreal refuge is for cooling down and relief from ground insects. They do not need to hide out or stash food like leopards as they are apex predators. They don't really need the long view again unlike leopards as they have a pride system for finding prey (ie several of them). They are not as agile as leopards, so are not likely to do this as easily. But, you have got to like the hanging out of these two!
Cheers
David
π: 0 β©: 0
Β Β Β I'm going to keep my mouth shut on this one!Β 
J
π: 0 β©: 1
Worth zooming in on this one, if you have not already done so. The expressions on their faces!
Many Thanks
David
π: 0 β©: 0