Tembe Predators come out to Play

Winter is a great time for predators here in Tembe Elephant Park. As the water dries up – the prey is forced to remain near the water sources and the Tembe predators (particularly lions) also become concentrated around these areas.

During her stay at Tembe, wildlife volunteer Ann Hsiao snapped these great pics of Tembe predators on her little “point-and-shoot” camera,while out on our recent monitoring sessions. There were many lion sightings and members of the Southern Pride, Central Pride and Northern Pride were tracked and followed.

Tembe Predators – Lion Prides

Tembe Southern Pride

The Southern Pride

Tembe Southern Pride

The Southern Pride

Tembe Northern Pride

The Northern Pride

While lions might be considered the ‘King of the Jungle’, essentially they are still cats and this is often displayed in their curious nature. So in typical cat fashion, the cubs of the Central Pride decided that playing with the Panthera Leopard Survey camera traps was a great way to spend their time.

Tembe Central Pride

Tembe Central Pride

Tembe Central Pride cubs camera trap

Tembe Central Pride cub playing with a camera trap

To cap it all off, we managed to track and sight an elusive leopard. They are one of the most difficult Tembe predators to spot in the reserve, possibly due to lack of tourist vehicle habituation or the fact that they are persecuted outside of the reserve.

Tembe Predators - Leopard

It’s a wonderful time to be in Tembe and we are so appreciative of every glimpse we get of all these wonderful predators.

Join the Tembe Team of wildlife volunteers!

Post by Clinton Wright
Photographs by Ann Hsiao