In a rare sight at Kruger National Park in South Africa, two leopards were seen engaged in a fierce fight atop a tree in broad daylight, ultimately tumbling to the ground and continuing their scuffle on land.
According to reports from the Latest Sightings website, tourists on a hunting expedition at Kruger National Park witnessed the unusual spectacle of the leopards fighting during the day. This behavior is uncommon for these animals, as they are typically most active between dawn and dusk.
Believed to be a mother-daughter duo, the leopards’ scuffle appeared more playful than territorial. Territory disputes are a common cause of conflict among animals of the same species.
A viral video circulating online shows one leopard initially perched in the tree, while the other swiftly climbed up to engage in the tussle, resulting in both falling to the ground. Despite the fall, they appeared uninjured and continued their playful scuffle on the ground.
All large felines are capable of climbing trees when necessary. While lions and tigers predominantly climb trees in their youth and rarely do so as adults, leopards are undoubtedly the most skilled climbers among large felines. They can ascend from the ground to a tree within seconds, a valuable skill for hiding themselves or their prey.
Leopards are solitary animals that rely on stealthy movements to survive rather than living in groups. In tropical savannas, one of the best hiding spots for them is up in the trees.
The only time adult leopards come together is during mating season or territorial disputes. Female leopards are an exception, as they spend up to two years with their cubs after giving birth, but the cubs can usually fend for themselves within a year.
Young leopards are vulnerable to attacks from predators until they are mature enough to defend themselves, with a mortality rate as high as fifty percent, making their ability to hide a precious skill.
Even adult leopards face threats from predators like wild dogs and lions, who can overpower a solitary leopard or snatch its prey after the leopard’s hunting is completed.
Because of these threats, leopards have developed a habit of stashing their prey in trees for safekeeping, although this practice is not foolproof. While lions may not be as adept at climbing trees as leopards, they are capable of stealing the food leopards hoist up into the trees for later consumption.