Last week, the Marthly 3:2 Male Leopard crossed south over the Sand River, out of his usual domain in the north, walked straight through Founders camp, and killed an unlucky female baboon.
This male moved in from the north of the reserve in 2010, and was instantly recognisable by his unique tuft of fur at the back of his neck.
Marthly Male with baboon kill – Talley Smith
It seem as though the Marthly Male, or Tyson as he is affectionately known, had taken it upon himself to regulate the baboon population, leaving his territory with purpose and ignoring the abundance of easier prey in camp such as bushbuck and nyala. After all, baboons are no friends of leopards: they often spot them with their unbelievable eyesight and give away their presence to potential prey with deep alarm barks. They have also been known to kill small cubs found unattended.
This particular morning, we heard the alarm calls of the baboons in the early hours, and went out to find a carcass hoisted in a prominent marula tree just south of camp, like a flag with its raiser sitting proudly beneath. Above is the footage we got as he climbed the tree, fed on the carcass, and then brought it down. He would eventually move it to a more shady and secure location, clearly having decided the message had been received.
Written, Filmed and Photographed by: Talley Smith
wow… what amazing footage. THANKS for sharing this. I LOVE your blogs…
Wow, I agree with Jody… Awesome footage Talley! All that effort just to get his very clear message across to some mortal enemies. Fantastic.
Very special footage Talley! These blogs make us feel part of the bush….8,000 miles away! Thanks!
Hi Tally, It is lovely to go over it all again – especially as I was sitting with you in the vehicle taking stills.( The old lady on her own) What a beautiful shot of him walking off with his kill.
Best,
Diana.