Leopard and Lion predation upon Chacma Baboons living in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Abstract

Predation by lions and leopards is the main cause of adult mortality among baboons living in the floodplains near Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. During a 30 month interval we observed 1 4 such predatory attacks upon baboons, including five kills. There were another four incidental records of lion and leopard predation upon adult and subadult baboons. Lions ambush baboon groups foraging along the ground during the daytime. If an ambush is unsuccessful lions will not continue the attack. In contrast, leopards hunt baboons at night and do not depend upon surprise to make kills. Leopards may hunt at a baboon roost for the entire night and two kills were made at least an hour after the initial attacks. During leopard attacks baboons seek refuge in the tallest available trees on outer, terminal branches with difficult access for leopards. Adult male baboons may harass leopards in the daytime, but no such harassment has been seen at night as one adult male baboon was killed at dusk. These