The African leopard steps down, gingerly testing her grip on the hewn bark.

Goza means “step” in Tsonga.

In the fading glow of twilight, a leopard cautiously descended from the marula tree, where it had carefully secured its prey among the tangled branches. The predator's thirst had now become its priority, urging it to seek out a nearby water source. At that moment, all seemed calm. No lions or hyenas had picked up the scent of its fresh kill, allowing the leopard a rare moment of ease. Moving with grace, it navigated the lower branches before landing softly on the ground.

Its tail flicked briefly as it scanned the area, ensuring there were no hidden dangers nearby. If a threat was present, it would need to act swiftly. But the surroundings remained still, and the leopard knew it was safe for now. Earlier, it had expertly blended into its environment, taking down its prey with precision and swiftly hauling it to the tree's protective heights. In this tranquil setting, the leopard seemed almost invisible, a part of the landscape. With no immediate danger in sight, and secure in its surroundings, it tuned quietly and pressed onwards towards the nearby river to quench its thirst.

The infrared version of this image “erivaleni” can be seen here.

The African leopard and the tree?

Leopards are known for their remarkable climbing abilities, often found perched on tree branches, surveying their surroundings. Trees play a vital role in a leopard's life, serving as both a refuge and a strategic vantage point. In the wild, these big cats use trees for a variety of purposes, such as evading predators, storing their kills away from scavengers, and ambushing prey.

One of the key reasons leopards are frequently spotted in trees is their need to escape threats. Whether it’s lions, hyenas, or even human disturbances, a leopard’s agility allows it to quickly ascend into the safety of the branches. This elevated position also provides a prime opportunity to keep an eye on potential danger or to rest undisturbed. Additionally, trees offer an ideal location for leopards to stash their kills. By hoisting prey into the branches, they keep it safe from ground-dwelling scavengers, such as hyenas, ensuring a meal that lasts over several days.

The question often arises: do leopards have favourite trees? While it may seem that leopards prefer specific trees, especially when seen repeatedly in the same one, the answer isn't straightforward. Leopards are territorial animals, and their territories can vary greatly in terrain and vegetation. The types of trees available in one leopard’s territory might differ significantly from another’s, influencing which trees they use. For example, a leopard in an area rich with marula trees may frequently use them for their dense foliage and sturdy branches. In contrast, another leopard might rely on the larger evergreens found in its own, different environment.

Convenience and necessity play a significant role in a leopard’s choice of tree. When a leopard needs to scan for prey, it will climb the nearest suitable tree, often one with a broad view, such as a marula. If the task at hand is to hoist a recent kill, a shady jackalberry tree near a riverbed might be the preferred option. However, in moments of urgency, such as when being chased by lions, a leopard won’t be picky—it will scramble up the nearest tree, whether it’s a comfortable choice or not.

Though it may appear that a leopard returns to the same tree repeatedly, this behaviour is likely due to the tree’s strategic location within the leopard's territory rather than any sense of attachment or preference. These majestic animals operate more on instinct and necessity than on sentiment. What might look like a “favourite” tree to an observer is simply the most convenient option for that moment.

Trees are indispensable in a leopard's life, offering safety, strategic advantage, and a place to store food. While it’s tempting to think of leopards as having favourite trees, their choices are primarily driven by their immediate needs and the characteristics of their territory. Whether it's finding a safe perch, hoisting a kill out of reach, or escaping a threat, leopards are masters of using the trees around them to their advantage. The next time you spot a leopard lounging in a tree, you can appreciate the careful calculation behind its seemingly casual choice.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.