A sub-adult male leopard in the Kalahari was captured practicing his hunting skills on various bird species.
‘He was strolling down the Auob River in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, actively searching for prey. We noted that his mother had been seen four days prior to this sighting, almost ‘abandoning’ him, forcing the inexperienced cat to take care of himself,’ said wildlife photographer Armand Grobler.
‘He started hunting Ogama and Plated lizards, however these hunts proved unsuccessful, given away by his clumsy tail or untimely punces. He even attempted to hunt a Spotted Eagle Owl unsuccessfully before making his way to Batulama water hole to have a drink.’
After quenching his thirst, the young leopard noticed a dove perched on the reservoir, and decided to try his luck, snatching the dove with great ease from its perching point.
At last, he was successful in securing his lunch.
‘The leopard utilized this strategy catching several birds before they eventually learnt his tactics and avoiding the reservoir. This just proves the incredible adaptability of leopards, and despite age and inexperience they are able to survive in the harshest of conditions,’ Grobler added.
Watch the young student in action:
Pictures: Armand Grober
