There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Skorro Mapogo, Ximungwe Pride and Cheetah. Posted by Greg Coates
The last week has provided very good cheetah viewing with two separate male cheetahs being viewed. The first was a younger male who made an attempt on some impala on the McKenzie airstrip but unfortunately failed. He moved east and just as it was getting dark he managed to catch a steenbok. He was left feeding after dark (as we cannot shine a spotlight on diurnal hunters) but was not relocated the next day. This suggests he moved further east and off our concession.
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A couple of days later the familiar form of the male with the drooping bottom lip (Makamisa) was silhouetted against the dawn sky. He was found lying on top of a termite mound in one of his favourite hunting grounds, the aptly named Cheetah Flats. He spotted a herd of impala in the clearing and seemed interested but decided against making an attempt. Instead he moved back south and bumped into the Ximungwe pride and Skoro. The startled cheetah took off at pace and headed away from the lions where he no doubt concealed himself as he was not relocated for two drives thereafter. He did eventually show himself again in the afternoon, this time in the clearings to the west and moved north to avoid another encounter with the lions. He again spotted a herd of impala and this time he did give chase. He was lost as he entered the thick bush but some persistent following up by guides at the sighting revealed that he had been successful in catching an adult female impala. He rested a while before feeding and was left as dusk fell.