Porcupine and Leopards

As it's possible to night drive within its national parks, Zambia is an excellent place to see nocturnal creatures such as leopards and porcupines. However, the chances of seeing them together is still very slight, which is why we're delighted to be able share these wonderful photos, taken by Jane Addey, at one of Robin Pope Safaris' camps in the South Luangwa National Park.

As they crossed the southern end of the stork colony, the young male spotted a porcupine. We assumed he was rather hungry as he started to stalk the porcupine. His mother clearly knew better so decided to sit back and watch.

Over the next ~45 minutes the young leopard tried and tried to flip the porcupine, initially causing a small wound to the front paw. The porcupine looked liked it was tiring and that it would succumb to the continuous attacks by the leopard. The porcupine however kept going, getting itself well positioned every time the leopard tried to get its paws underneath and hissing back each time the leopard moved in.

On two occasions the leopard got quills stuck in its paw and had to stop the remove them. As time went on it was the leopard that appeared to be losing interest, his mother still staying in the background and not providing any assistance – she definitely knew better.

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