Lots of lions seen this month – and not just the Tau Pan pride. Further afield, in Deception Valley, two males that are resident in the area were found moving along the Valley. They also frequent Piper Pan, so have quite a distance to cover regularly, to ensure that their territory remains safe from intruders.
The Tau Pride, naturally, were seen around Tau Pan, and the camp waterhole. Resting a lot to save their strength for the hunts that mostly occur at night. They do take small prey, even birds, whenever the opportunity arises, but a large oryx or giraffe would be the best use of their energy when they are hunting.
The Eastern firebreak road was a productive area this month, with several sightings of leopards, and more lions. A lovely male leopard was relaxing up in a tree, scanning the area for suitable prey. The wind was strong, and changing direction rapidly, so the animals were confused, being able to smell something dangerous, but not being able to ascertain exactly where the scent was emanating from.
Next to the northern firebreak, and yet another leopard, this time a young female. Looking carefully around, she squatted and then pounced, catching a bundle of feathers. It proved to be kurrichane button quail – a little bird that took the edge off the little leopardess’s hunger.
Cheetahs also were seen this month, including the female with young sub-adult, hunting around Tau Pan. When we arrived on the edge of the pan, all the different species of game were staring off into one particular area, alerting us to the presence of a threat. On closer inspection, we found the two cheetahs, gamely trying to hunt, even though most of the prey had spotted them!