I have to preface this post with the fact that I detest the beginning of a new year, as my full diary from any previous year gets to be replaced by a diary whose pages are still virgin white and waiting to be filled with work and travels that will keep you entertained, informed and perhaps even educated about topics you might not know anything about. And yes, I do still utilize a paper diary.
But, let me start off in the accepted manner…
May I wish you and yours a very happy and profitable 2023 and may all your resolutions come to fruition.
In the November 2022 edition of this magazine, I shared a croc story that did not end well for a female impala. https://www.wildlifecampus.com/About/WildlifeCampus_Magazine_November_2022_Vol.11.pdf
But, dear reader, Karma, as they say, can be a b*tch. And this fact was reinforced while I was still in the Sabie Sands.
Another day and another game drive in a reserve that is known for its regular sightings of leopards, some of which we had already seen while out on drives.
I have seen images of jaguars in Brazil catching and eating caiman, but I had no idea that our local leopards were partial to the taste of Nile Crocodile.
That being said, given the look on the leopard’s face, this would not have been his first choice. But obviously, an opportunity had presented itself and like any self-respecting predator he had not turned it down.
It was interesting to see that two predominantly predator species were now perceived as predator and prey.
I suppose that if the roles were reversed, the croc would have gladly accepted the leopard as a meal.
Our guide said that the last time he had seen a recorded incident of this kind was in Zambia in 2017. Closer to home, there have been sightings in the Kruger National Park, although the local leopards, unlike the jaguars who see caiman as part of their staple diet, only eat croc occasionally.
Leopards, unlike house cats, are not fussy about what they will eat. From aquatic inhabitants such as fish and frogs to large hoofed prey like antelope and zebra, depending on the size of the croc.
For an opportunist feeder like the leopard, a less than attentive croc was, in this case, ideal prey.
What lesson does this teach, if there is a lesson to be learned?
It shows that in nature every animal can be both predator or prey, given a set of circumstances that favours either one or the other. And once again, we, the humans, were able to witness this unusual event from the safety of our vehicle.
I look forward with anticipation to more unusual sightings in 2023 and being able to share them with you.
Happy New Year everyone.
For those who are looking to complete online nature courses, this should be your go to site.
Click on the logo to be redirected to their web site.
For those that were not aware, there is an extension to the Travel & Things Blog in the form of ‘In conversation with‘ a YouTube channel hosted by David Batzofin and filled with a plethora of interesting interviews with a variety of people.
To visit the channel, click on the ‘In conversation with’ image above.
All images, unless otherwise stated, are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission.
