Spots and Stripes
Encounters at the Loisaba Lodge Leopard Hide
The leopard hide beneath Loisaba Lodge has recently been offering fascinating viewing of these most elusive big cats. The acacia tree in front of the hide is the perfect place in which to hang tempting morsels of meat that are provided regularly from the ranch. It is known that at least 4 different leopards are now attracted to the bait; two large males, one smaller / younger male and at least one female. The leopards sometimes appear as early as 4.45 p.m. when the tree is in full sunshine. More often they appear between 6 and 6.30 p.m. when there is still sufficient daylight for exceptional viewing. The leopard hide can accommodate up to 20 people comfortably and a group of 25 guests were recently treated to a great sighting of a female leopard at the bait at 6.30 p.m., followed by one of the big males at 6.45 p.m. The bait tree is only some 50 metres from the hide so it is possible to watch the action very clearly. The bait has also been attracting some other elusive and nocturnal predators in the form of at least two different striped hyenas. These animals, like leopards, are very rarely seen on safari. They are attracted by the scraps of meat and bone that fall from the tree whilst the leopards dine. On 14th June 2009 a big male leopard managed to get all of the bait out of the tree, and started slowly dragging it away from the bait tree and up the nearby slope. He was promptly pursued by a striped hyena and very quickly climbed a smaller tree on the slope. The leopard then jumped out of the tree (leaving the meat up the tree) and was again pursued by the striped hyena. Although the leopard did at one point stop and take a swipe at his pursuer, it was obvious that the spotted cats have a healthy respect for the stripies. Other visitors to the hide vicinity recently have included two bull elephants who stopped to drink from the spring 20 metres from the hide. Whilst they were drinking a young male leopard was in the bait tree, and two striped hyenas were circling beneath him. After dark it is possible to watch the action with the help of powerful spotlights, which do not seem to upset the leopards in the slightest. Even when guests have left the hide and the game drive vehicles have started up, the leopards have been seen to be still in the tree, unconcerned by the human and vehicle presence. An added dimension to this fascinating activity is that it can all be viewed clearly through the spotting scope on the balcony of the Lodge; whilst enjoying a gin and tonic perhaps. This is something that few other wildlife destinations can offer.
Mike McCartney
(Relief Manager – Loisaba Lodge, June 2009)