See a Single Leopard Chase Five Cheetahs in Intimidating Standoff

Let’s travel to the Krugar National Park in Africa to check out what happens when a group of five cheetahs spot a female leopard and think that it is a good idea to try to intimidate her.

Watch the Video Below!

Leopard vs. Five Cheetahs

This group of cheetahs approach the leopard from behind. She does not turn around, but we suspect that she knows that they are there — and she stops periodically. Perhaps the group is unaware that leopards are not scared of cheetahs even when they are outnumbered five to one.

A couple of the cheetahs decide that perhaps this is not as good an idea as they had originally thought and start to hang back. The others make the mistake of carrying on. Suddenly, the leopard decides that she has had enough of this nonsense, turns and begins to chase them. The cheetahs run away, scattering in all directions. Once they all stop running around, the cheetahs slope off in the other direction.

Spot the Difference

At first glance, leopards and cheetahs can look quite similar and they do have a lot in common. They are both big cats and they are both amongst the list of Africa’s top predators. Both have a light tan fur with darker spots — this is to camouflage them amongst grasses and shrubs. Leopards and cheetahs compete for prey, including small antelopes and they are both beautiful and endangered animals.

However, there are some important differences. These two big cats are not actually that closely related. Leopards are in the Panthera genus so they are more closely related to lions and tigers. Cheetahs are in the Acinonyx genus and are more closely related to cougars.

Leopards are taller but not heavier than cheetahs but cheetahs are faster over short distances. Leopards are stalkers, creeping up on their prey and pouncing, while cheetahs chase their prey using their phenomenal speed.

There are also differences when it comes to vocalization. Leopards roar, growl, purr, and cough but cheetahs yip and gurgle. Finally, if you look closely, they have different builds. The leopard is generally more powerful and muscular with a broad head and thicker legs. A cheetah, on the other hand, is built for speed with a long, slim and flexible body, long legs and a long tail.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alta Oosthuizen/Shutterstock.com