|
African Leopards
|
Beverly Joubert: " Leopards have a very special place in our hearts. We've been lucky enough to spend countless hours in the presence of these elusive cats, learning the mysteries of their secretive worlds. In our latest film "Jade Eyed Leopard" we tell the story of Toto, a young leopardess born under tent number five at what was then @GreatPlainsConservation's Mara Toto Camp (now called Mara Expedition Camp). After nearly losing her life in a devastating flood that washed away the camp, Toto went on to thrive alongside her mother Fig with whom she shares an extraordinary bond.
The film premieres in the USA on September 7 on @natgeowild. We can't wait for you to see it! "
Zhayynn James: " Leopards are such fascinating creatures. They are my favourite big cat, seemingly embodying the characteristics of all the other big cats. They possess the power of tigers, explosive speed of cheetahs, the guile of lions, the death-defying agility of snow leopards, added to a camouflage that renders them nearly invisible and a mystique and persona that is uniquely theirs. "
Jens Cullmann: " This young leopard was left alone by its mother while she went hunting. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful for a few days. The cub lost quite some weight (lock at picture number 2 how skinny he was). He was extremely lucky when a troop of baboons passed him and miraculously he was not discovered by them (pictures 3 and 4, look closely, he is in the shade of the logs, while baboons walking by).
On picture number 6 he was still afraid of a few francolins ? But the story has a Happy End. The mother made a kill and came back one night to fetch him. Now he is a full grown strong male leopard. Images will be posted here in the next weeks ?"
Beverly Joubert: " Leopards have a vital role to play in maintaining the delicate balance between predator and prey that allows healthy ecosystems to thrive. In our latest film, Jade Eyed Leopard, we tell the tale of a cat named Toto with the most incredible aquamarine eyes and a personality that reminds us just how special these animals are.
We hope Toto’s story will inspire those watching to take action to help protect leopards like her for the future. We founded the Big Cat Initiative in 2009 with the National Geographic Society in an effort to halt the decline of big cats in the wild. To date, the project has given out 150 grants in 27 countries to help launch vital conservation initiatives that not only preserve wild species, but also the communities that depend on them. Jade Eyed Leopard premieres in the USA on September 7 on @natgeowild. "
Beverly Joubert: " A lifetime of filming big cats in the wild has taught us that each one is unique with distinctive personalities that shine through if you spend enough time getting to know them. Through the remarkable story of a leopardess named Toto and her mother Fig, we hope to highlight and help to raise awareness about the urgent threats these cats currently face. Our latest film, "Jade Eyed Leopard", premieres in the US tomorrow on @natgeowild – we hope you will be able to join us and be a part of the legacy of these incredible leopards. "
Beverly Joubert: " The bond between a leopardess and her cubs is vital. Youngsters rely on their mothers for guidance as they learn to navigate a world fraught with dangers. For Toto and Fig, the feline stars of our latest film Jade Eyed Leopard, that bond was extraordinarily strong and still endures to this day. "
Linked to #545:
Jens Cullmann: " Follow-up: Nearly two weeks ago I posted images from a skinny baby leopard, who’s mother was for some time quite unsuccessful with her hunting. Here are some more pics of the young leopard. On picture 3 and 4 the young leopard had to flee up a tree as a hyena passed by and scented it. The last images show us how desperate his mother was as she even tried to get food out of a sundowner box out of a lodge car ... without success by the way. I told you before, this story has luckily a Happy End. The mother made soon after this a kill and came back one night to fetch him. In the meantime he is now a full grown strong male leopard. Images of him as subadult will be posted here in the next weeks "
Johan Van Zyl: " A bonding session between a Female Leopard and her cub in South Luangwa. "
Jens Cullmann: " Intestines was yesterday, this leopard prefers spareribs from a Puku ... "
Quote:Marlon du Toit: " But many leopards occur in regions where this is no option & large prey species like impala are not available. So, what do they do? And that is why Marlon Du Toit is not a Leopard expert. He is a tour guide, but should not really talk since Impala are mid to small animals. Actual credible ecologists are always impressed with Leopards going for any large animal above 100 kg or above hoisting such large animals up trees. Marlon is right on Leopards going for bigger prey, but he should not hype up Impala since these are just average to below average sized for many Leopard environments. Not to mention they are fodder that can get killed off by puny Jackals. For example, a moderate prey rich environment like Phinda Game Reserve had Leopards favoring Nyala over puny Impala. If Marlon wants to hype a large Antelope, he should hype Nyala Bull. The Leopard known as Dewane with a Nyala bull kill. |
| Users browsing this thread: |
| 2 Guest(s) |