Leopard Hunt Video

Was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to capture this whole leopard hunt on video in the Masai Mara last year:




They're such beautiful creatures, and seeing one in action was amazing. I can't remember the name of this female - don't know if anyone on here can help.

Still shots for ID purposes from Safaricams Video








WS

Hi Safaricam
Welcome to WAA, and thanks for giving us the link to your Video. talk about being in the right place at the right time, you certainly were. She was so fast at the end amazing how they explode into action when they are within striking distance. There are a few of the Guys on here that visit the Mara, on a regular basis, and may be able to identify your leopard. To help, what part of the Mara were you in, and what Camp were you staying at ?.
I hope you don't mind I've edited your link so that the Video shows so the Guys can get to it easier.

WS
(Whitestarling The Admin Team)

Thanks WS that's great. Wasn't sure how to embed it. Glad you enjoyed the video - like you I just couldn't believe the sheer power once she was up close. We were staying at Intrepids Camp in the Mara and this was within half an hour of the camp I reckon, though not sure exactly where unfortunately.. I think it was a female but may be muddling it now I think about it with another leopard we saw prowling round further west... Sorry!

Great video Safaricam. A once in a lifetime chance to see a leopard hunting and killing in the daytime!! It is amazing to watch them stalk and then see their power and speed when they pounce. They have to be able to get very close to their prey compared to the other cats before they can make a kill. I was lucky enough to also see a leopard kill in Zambia but that was at night.
I can't help with the identification of her as I normally stay in a different part of the Mara in Mara North, but I know Doogs always stays at Intrepid's Camp and is a leopard addict so she might be able to help with the i.d.
Many thanks for sharing, I am very envious!!!

SM

Doogs should be on later Safaricam. I could with your permission take some still shots from your Video to help with the ID, it's important to try to see as much of the facial spots as possible, and also the necklace, which I think I can get a partial side shot of.

WS

WS-Yeah of course - that's fine! Thanks for the help! I have some stills too which I can dig out.

SM- would love to see one at night too! And in a tree! It's an addiction now I feel!

OK will do, and your welcome, you can try to post some stills, but you normally have to wait 7 day from joining, but give it a try. You will find plenty of Leopard photos from the Guys here in the Members Safari Trips section on the Home Page. Doogs will have posted some from the Intrepid Camp area from last year, and she is going again in November, you may find the Leopards name there as well.

WS

Wow! Amazing footage and nicely edited too! You were so lucky to watch the whole event unfold in front of you.

Thank you for sharing

Thanks WS

Here's a still that might help:

https://i.servimg.com/u/f39/18/98/57/40/img_2010.jpg

2 more slightly clearer ones:

https://i.servimg.com/u/f39/18/98/57/40/leopar10.jpg

https://i.servimg.com/u/f39/18/98/57/40/img_2012.jpg

Bahati? Wow thanks Doogs. Great to know. It was lovely to see her, such a beautiful creature - and yes a real thrill! You're obviously a bit of an expert then?

Brilliant Doogs RESULT Safaricam. Bahati, is the Daughter of Olive who was sadly killed in a Lion attack last year. Olives Mother was Bella who was one of the stars of the Big Cat Diary series. There are photos on here of both Bahati, and Olive in Members Safari Trips

WS

Just been checking the spot markings, and I agree with Doogs Bahati. her name in Swahelli means Fortune. Sarfaricam you are able to upload photos, after being a member for 7 Days so if there are anymore you would like to share of your trip, I know we would all love to see them. You can post them in Members Safari Trips on the Home page.

WS

Looks spot on to me Doogs - markings around her nose look identical! Thanks! Lovely to find out a bit about her.. I'll go and have a look at some of the other photos in the forums now...

Thanks WS, I don't have time at the moment to upload photos I'm afraid (starting new term tomorrow - teaching) but there's more footage that I've already uploaded to youtube. I'll try embedding them in another forum post.

No problem Safaricam, quite understand about the new term. Glad we have been able to ID your Leopard, and as you say it's nice to know who she is, and some of her history. If you have any problem embedding don't waste to much time, just post he links, and I'll embed them for you like your Leopard vid

WS

Have embedded my other videos here:

https://wildaboutanimals.forumotion.net/t3275-masai-mara-safari-2013

More to follow when i get time!

Just realised I never posted a written account to go with the video. Here it is:

I was lucky enough while out in the Masai Mara last year to witness a leopard hunt in the region of Intrepids Camp.

We arrived as the female leopard (thanks Doogs for identifying her as Bahati) had come down from a tree and then emerged from bushes by the track. As you can see from the video below, she rolled in the dust and then appeared to spot gazelle nearby. Instantly her posture changed, she slunk down onto her haunches and crept into the long grass. It was amazing to see how low she could stay, and the stealth with which she moved. As she approached the oblivious gazelle, we watched on from the jeep, and despite standing and looking down at the scene, eventually we lost sight of her too in the grass. Such incredible camouflage when seen in their natural environment!

we waited patiently, holding our breaths, and with my camera trained on the gazelle. Minutes passed but we were all intently waiting and watching. Suddenly, as you see in the video, she exploded out of the grass and around the closest gazelle, who didn't stand a chance, gripping it by the windpipe. Such speed and power was phenomenal to watch - you can see how I jumped on the video!

After it's prey was subdued, Bahati paused to give us a few more photo opportunities and then dragged the gazelle off back to through the bushes. It made me realise how small a leopard is compared to some of the larger cats, as it seemed quite unwieldy for it. We watched it toy with its food in the bushes for a few minutes, and then it disappeared into thick bush (presumably back up a tree again - though sadly I didn't get to witness that).

The whole event lasted about 15 or 20 minutes I should think, and I barely breathed through all of it. It felt a real privilege to be there to witness such a moment..



Safaricam.

A big Safaricam for posting the account of what transpired on the Leopard hunt, it does make such a difference knowing how it all came about. From the video I wouldn't have guessed you were watching that long. I don't know about holding your breath, I don't think I could have held the cam that steady with excitement, you did brilliant there.

WS