Video: Incredible footage shows leopard attacking two male antelope while they fight

Video: Incredible footage shows leopard attacking two male antelope while they fight



A brave antelope makes an unlikely escape after being ambushed by a leopard as it battled a rival.

The red lechwe was already exhausted having locked horns with another male when the killer cat struck – but managed to shake it off.

The fast-paced footage was shot by safari guide Thomas Nkwazi, in the Okavango Delta area of Botswana, as he enjoyed a morning drive with four guests.

Video: Incredible footage shows leopard attacking two male antelope while they fight
The two male red lechwe antelope fight, unaware that a stalking leopard is about the attack (Barcroft)

The 31-year-old said: “We watched the red lechwes fighting for about ten minutes before the leopard surprised them and attacked.

“At one point the antelope was running with the leopard hanging under its throat before it dropped it down.

“The lechwe was too big and strong, and after the battle the leopard was limping on its left front leg.

“The antelope had some scratches and a bit of a cut on the shoulder, which I think was from a fight with another lechwe.”

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The leopard attacks while the two males are still fighting (Barcroft)

Despite the violent attack, the antelope suffered only minor cuts, while the opportunistic cat left with its tail between its legs.

Mr Nkwazi, from Botswana, was delighted to film such a rare incident.

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One antelope is totally unaware of the leopard and carries on fighting while the other runs away (Barcroft)

He added: “I was so excited to witness such an amazing sighting – I could not wait to go back to camp and show my colleagues.

“It was really overwhelming. I have been guiding for ten years and that was one of the very best sightings. I’m very proud to have caught it on camera.”

This article was first published by The Telegraph on 04 Dec 2014.


“Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friend first.”
Steve Irwin
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