Things I Love - Leopard Tracking

Tracking Leopards

Imagine stepping into the South African wilderness, surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.

You're on a quest to uncover the secrets left behind by one of Africa's most elusive and magnificent big cats: the Leopard.

Tracking Leopards is an art form, a practice as ancient as humanity itself, yet still shrouded in mystery and excitement.

Today, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Leopard tracks and how they differ from those of other big cats, such as Lions and Cheetahs.

The Size and Shape of Leopard Tracks

Leopard tracks, often referred to as 'pug marks', are quintessential cat prints with four clear toe pads and a large, three - lobed main pad.

The size of these tracks can help determine the sex of the Leopard. Male Leopards typically have larger and broader tracks, about 9 cm in length.

Female leopards, on the other hand, have slightly smaller and more slender tracks, averaging around 8 cm.

A key feature to look out for in Leopard tracks is the absence of claw marks. Like other cats, Leopards have retractable claws, which means they only leave claw marks when running or pouncing.

This is a crucial point to differentiate them from canines like dogs and hyenas, whose tracks always show claw imprints.

Comparing Leopard and Lion Tracks

At first glance, Leopard and Lion tracks might seem quite similar. However, Lion tracks are significantly larger due to the Lion's greater body mass.

Both species show the characteristic three - lobed main pad, but the sheer size difference is often a clear indicator.

Additionally, male Lions have even larger tracks compared to female Lions, similar to the size differentiation seen in Leopards.

A key factor is that Leopards spent time solitary, whereas Lions live in prides, this might help with differentiating these two big cat's tracks.

Distinguishing Leopard from Cheetah Tracks

Cheetah tracks are another point of comparison and can be slightly trickier to identify. While both Cheetahs and Leopards are big cats, their tracks have distinct differences.

Cheetah prints typically show a double indentation on the posterior edge of the pad and, crucially, claw marks are usually visible.

This is because Cheetahs, unlike Leopards, do not fully retract their claws, which they use for traction while running at high speeds.

In terms of size, Cheetah tracks are often similar to those of a female Leopard but will display these distinct claw marks, helping trackers distinguish between the two.

imprints of Cheetah tracks is easily confused with those of wild dogs, but because Cheetah are also not highly sociable, they also would either be a small group of young and their mom or a male coalition, wild dogs are often moving in big packs.

The Art of Tracking Leopards

Tracking Leopards is more than just finding and identifying their tracks; it involves understanding their behavior and habitat.

Leopards are solitary and elusive, known as the "silent killers" of the bush. They prefer dense, wooded areas and are often found near riverine habitats, which provide both cover and ample prey.

Expert trackers emphasize the importance of patience and keen observation. Fresh spoor and signs of a recent kill can all be clues.

Listening to the sounds of the bush is equally important - alarm calls from birds, monkeys, and antelopes can indicate a Leopard's presence.

Having a keen sense of smell for the scent marking of Leopard might also be a rewarding way in locating these elusive cats, they often scent mark prominent bushes along road sides, the smell is similar to that of buttered popcorn.

A keen smell is indeed needed because another character, the spotted genet can stand on its front legs, spraying at the same length with the same smell of the scent, making you mistakenly identifying the scent for a Leopard.

Leopard behavior reveal that these cats are active throughout the day, not just at dawn or dusk or throughout the night. They may hunt in the heat of the day, contrary to the behavior of other big cats like Lions.

This unpredictability adds to the challenge and thrill of tracking Leopards.

Conclusion

Tracking Leopards is a captivating blend of science, art, and instinct. Whether you’re comparing their tracks to those of Lions and Cheetahs, or patiently waiting for a glimpse of this elusive cat, the journey into their world is a thrilling adventure that connects us to the wild in profound ways.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

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