Print Page - Warthog battles leopard (Botswana)

The struggled was witnessed by British amateur photographer Mike Bailey as he holidayed in the remote Kwando River area of northern Botswana, Africa.

Financial executive and grandfather-of-two Mr Bailey, 61, had spent over one-and-a-half years accumulated over 30 trips to Africa to get his dream pictures.

The spectacular dual between the huge spotted cat and the stouter tusked pig amazingly lasted over 10 minutes as the leopard tried to get the better of its prey.

But after flipping, clawing, biting and scrabbling in the exhausting fight the hungry male leopard was left empty handed when a hyena charged at the pair - making an attempt to cash in on the big cat's gruelling efforts.

Seizing her opportunity, the battered and bruised mum-to-be warthog dashed away in the confusion and made it to the safety of a burrow.

Retelling the amazing event seen in October, Mr Bailey, who lives in Liege, Belgium, said: "I have waited for hundreds of hours to see a moment like that.

"Some newlyweds in our group were honeymooning on their first trip to Africa and got to witness it. I couldn't believe it.

"I have been over 30 times and it has taken me this long. But I can't be bitter. This is life and I feel privileged to have seen something like this.

"The speed of the event was incredible."

Describing the build-up, he added: "We watched the leopard about 25 metres in front of us and noticed he was waiting to ambush a burrow used by the warthogs.

"After an hour of patiently waiting two warthogs suddenly appeared and the leopard pounced on the pregnant female.

"During the wrestling match, the leopard tried to bite her throat while trying to keep, with his back paws, the warthogs head at a distance, to defend himself against against the sharp tusks.

"After ten minutes of a wild battle, the leopard seemed to have succeeded in immobilising the warthog, his mouth and fangs around the warthogs neck.

"We all then thought that it was finally over when, attracted by the commotion, a hyena decided to dive into the action.

"The leopard had to release his grip and the injured warthog managed to escape.

"It is not uncommon to see a hyena saving the life of a leopards prey. I saw it several years ago in the Savute with an impala.

"The hyenas try to scavenge and take advantage of the leopard's hard work. But it distracts the leopard and they have to let go to defend themselves from the approaching dogs.

"Before witnessing this, it was very difficult for me to imagine that an animal like a warthog could resist the power and speed of a leopard for ten minutes, which seemed like an eternity.

"She fought bravely.

"I am very conscious of the fact that I was lucky to witness an unforgettable moment of wildlife and also that I was able to bring back pictures of it."

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