Abstract
Leopards have been observed to ambush prey by jumping down on it from trees. There are both anecdotal reports and video recordings of this hunting behavior. Here we conducted a biomechanical analysis of this technique to assess the degree of risk for the predator in such cases. We concluded that the risk of suffering severe injuries seems to be too high for this technique to be a usual way of predation on horned mammals such as male impalas. Our results can be useful in discussing proposed paleobiological hunting scenarios and living predators’ strategies of managing risks.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.