↓ Read on to watch this amazing video
key point
- Leopards are predators, cunning and opportunistic hunters.
- Crocodiles are skilled hunters and will protect their prey from other animals in cover.
- The leopard in the video below thinks it can help it find a closely guarded carcass.
The leopard is a solitary and versatile hunter, able to make the most of many habitats. In terms of diet, leopards eat a wide variety of prey, which allows them to survive when their habitat is threatened.
Leopards are carnivores, and their staple food is medium-sized animals such as deer and warthogs. They hunt by climbing up on animals and ambushing them. The distinctive spotted coat helps with this as it provides excellent camouflage.
However, leopards also eat carrion and are happy to help themselves to prey caught by other animals. This is a good plan as long as the animals that took the game are no longer in the area or don’t mind sharing.
Unfortunately, this particular leopard thought they could help them find a carcass that was being guarded by a crocodile, which they quickly discovered was a big mistake. Alligators don’t like sharing!
Leopard Habitat and Behavior
Leopards live in many mountainous, grassland and rainforest areas of Asia and Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, their population numbers have been affected by trophy hunting in the past. Additionally, their opportunistic hunting methods have led to conflicts with their human neighbors.
They are considered pests by local farmers because they have little fear of people and steal livestock. Local residents also consider them a source of meat and furs.
This has changed in recent years. Tourism has brought wealth to the region, and leopard viewing is a big part of that! So it’s more likely that locals want to protect the leopards so they continue to attract wildlife lovers.
Where do leopards live?
Leopards are found in a variety of habitats in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. There are also small isolated populations of leopards in remote areas of the Far East, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The area must have a good source of cover and an adequate food supply, which can include tropical rainforests, leafy savannas, barren deserts, and alpine highlands.
Leopards have adapted to increasing numbers of humans and are known to live and hunt in areas close to urban activity with minimal human interaction and disaster.
How long can a leopard live?
Leopards typically live 10 to 15 years in the wild, depending on habitat and available food supplies. Males tend to lead solitary lives except when mating, and the range of female leopards often overlaps with that of their mothers. There is no distinct breeding season, and females are able to reproduce every few months. However, cubs usually stay with their mother for up to 18+ months.
Is it normal for leopards to eat carrion?
Because they are obligate carnivores, leopards don’t need to eat anything but meat. They are also opportunistic animals. While they can hunt and are pretty good at it, they don’t miss out on a free meal when no one is around. They prefer medium game, but they won’t say no to anything smaller or bigger!
crocodile protecting prey
According to the video notes, the footage was filmed on the Ngobeni Ring Road in Area H14 of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This is a famous leopard viewing area and this day it did not disappoint.
The incredible footage gives us an up-close look at the leopard repeatedly trying to wrest prey from the crocodile. The big cat came close to the water several times but had to back off as the alligator opened its huge jaws and snapped. The leopard hissed in frustration, but left the giant reptile alone.
Alligators are fast and powerful enough to inflict serious damage on leopards who dare to approach them. It can be seen that this crocodile is not willing to share food with them!
Is it normal for crocodiles to protect their prey?
It is normal behavior for alligators to hide their food after a kill. Crocodiles are skilled hunters and will protect their killed prey from other animals. Crocodiles do not store their prey at the bottom of rivers or lakes, however, they do have a so-called “bunker” which has an underwater entrance and the outside is on the surface. This allows them to breathe while storing their prey.
Also, the reason crocodiles store their prey is so that it’s easier for them to eat once it starts to decompose.
Where do crocodiles live?
Crocodiles are saltwater creatures commonly found in Africa, Asia and Australia. While crocodiles typically live in the eastern regions, alligators are found primarily in the United States and other parts of the Americas.
That being said, American crocodiles can sometimes be found in South Florida, Hispaniola, Cuba, and Jamaica along the Caribbean coast from Mexico to Venezuela.
How long can a crocodile live?
On average, saltwater crocodiles can live to be around 70 years old. Also, Nile crocodiles typically live between 50 and 60 years.
Although wild crocodiles can live a long life in the wild. In captivity, crocodiles can live to be 100 years old!
Crocodile vs Leopard: Who Will Win?
Although the leopard is good at stalking prey before pounced on it, it’s no match for the larger crocodiles. With its speed and weight, and its huge mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, it makes sense that this leopard would give up an easy dinner for its life.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.