Baboon and leopard stand-off

We were heading towards the open grassy plains, looking for some general game, when Kudu alarm calls were called in on the radio. I knew that area was often frequented by a resident male leopard and so quickly made my way across there to investigate. As I arrived we just saw his back bounding through the grass. We thought we had lost him until we heard baboons barking on the koppies. The large male baboon could definately see him as he was barking, bearing his teeth and jumping up and down in a very threatening way. He continued doing this for about five miniutes and then just turned around and ran. As he left the scene, the leopard jumped up onto the rock giving everyone a great view. He lay down on the rock looking at us and at his surroundings. It was such a reward.

Posted: Phinda by Felicity Swanepoel, Date: 25 July 2010