Spotted Cats

To see one of the spotted cats is always a challenge. Leopard and Cheetah, although large cats, can be very difficult and rewarding to see. They are absolutely stunning. Leopards are highly elusive and masters of camouflage. Cheetahs prefer the open grasslands and can melt into the vegetation. With a mere 200 individuals, they are sparsely distributed. We were fortunate in seeing both these two spotted cats on one day. But more so, in adding a third spotted cat on that same day. This cat is the serval (see photo), one of the smaller cats. It also prefers open grasslands where it hunts rodents. It stands quite tall on its legs to move and see through and over the grass. With its relatively large ears it can pinpoint the location of the rustling rodent and pounce on it. This was only the second time this year to have seen one. It’s amazing that we have seen all three spotted cats on one day. Not to mention the lions that were lying on the road that morning. What a fabulous day.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za