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Monday, July 27, 2015

A Cheetah and its kill

Not even a fleet footed Impala, changing direction at almost 9o degrees at full speed, can escape the fastest four legged animal in the world.
At top speed of 120 km per hour, for short bursts, the Cheetah can out run its intended victim and slay it efficiently.
The chase itself happened too far away for good photography,  but then, when the Impala was safely stowed in the brush, we could come close enough for these shots:


The Cheetah has dragged the Impala into the bush,
and suspiciously scans into every direction.


She has seen us, but evidently has concluded that we are not a rival
for her dinner


Had we asked her to sit as a  model with her kill,
we could not have had a more typically imposing  camera - shot


If the Cheetah is lucky she will get to gulp down 
about 10 to 20 percent of her kill.
Then the marauders, such as Hyenas, Vultures and Lions 
will move in and take over.
A well hidden bounty and speed of devouring 
are the secrets of success.



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