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Mighty leopard stops to have a big drink at watering hole
WildCreaturesLeopards are huge, muscular cats that inhabit many of the grasslands and forests in Africa. They are powerful animals that can prey on ungulates many times their size. Known to take down young giraffes, antelopes, and even fully grown elands, the leopard is highly adaptable to take advantage of available prey. When larger food is unavailable, they will feed on hares and dung beetles. Occasionally, primates and porcupines are consumed by the leopard. During studies, evidence of gorilla consumption was found in leopard scat, although this would be rare due to the ferocity of adult gorillas. Leopards are known for caching food in trees, high off the ground. They are capable of hoisting a carcass that is several times their own body weight. This takes an impressive amount of strength to accomplish. Leopards are swift and formidable hunters, but during observation, it was learned that the majority of hunt attempts are unsuccessful. Leopards often go 1-2 weeks between successful kills. Leopards are vulnerable due to habitat loss and competition with farmers, as well as persecution for their perceived and actual threats to livestock. As human populations increase and development progresses, competition between man and nature will increase the conflict.13.3K views 15 comments -
Determined fish works hard to catch crab hiding in rocks
WildCreaturesThis wrasse lives in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. It has caught a glimpse of a small crab hiding among the rocks. Quick to scurry under cover, the wary crab believes it has found safe refuge under the chunks of lava that scatter the ocean floor. But the fish is not deterred and it is not afraid of a little hard work to get a meal. With surprising coordination, the fish grasps the stones in its mouth and tosses them aside quickly. When the stones are all moved and there is nowhere left to hide, it lunges forward and pins the crab, inhaling it along with a mouthful of crushed sand and stone. As it adjusts and spits out the stones, the crab makes a brief escape. But the crab has been injured and the fish easily catches it as it slowly sinks. The crab is grabbed again and swallowed as the fish swims off, victorious.9.45K views 1 comment -
Lion brothers meet affectionately on the African Plain
WildCreaturesThese two lions are young males, born in the same litter. They are growing quickly and learning how to hunt and survive in this beautiful, but harsh environment. They greet each other with playful affection but there is also a subtle test of the other's resolve as they engage in dominant behaviour. They will soon have to compete with the alpha lion, and each other, or else leave the pride and begin their own pride. Life here in Kenya, and elsewhere in Africa is complex, and it follows a pattern. As the lions grow old enough to challenge the leader of their pride, he will chase them out. But for now, playing in the sunshine and enjoying the companionship of the brotherhood is all that matters. Few things are as majestic as powerful lions, the apex predators on these plains. These lions roam freely on a large swath of land that is protected from hunters and poachers, one of the few threats to a full grown lion. Hyenas will challenge a sick or solitary lion, but even they know that they must be great in number and ready for a ferocious battle to take down one of these big cats.9.21K views 9 comments