The African leopard next to termite hill is staring into the distance with its sight set on something. The termite hill next to it is quite large. However, they do grow much larger than the one in the photograph. Standing in the morning sun, we can see the full beauty of this cat’s exquisite pattern. Its tail nicely curled as well as the front legs on the termite hill.
A colony of termites will build large homes that can house millions of individuals. Fungus-growing termites create substantial termite mounds. Indeed a completed termite hill is a refined air-conditioning system that allows fresh air to come in and out. There are multiple channels and conduits throughout the termite hill that create proper ventilation. Most of the time, they build their homes in well-drained areas. Termites feed on dead and decaying plant material such as leaves, soil, and wood. Within a termite colony castes, there are the workers, soldiers, and reproductives. The reproductives made up of the king and queen. Amazingly, the queen can grow up to six centimeters in length while the regular workers are less than one centimeter. A termite hill will generally outlive its inhabitants. However, once the termite occupants leave, other creatures can take over.
You will find often a leopard next to termite hill or resting on large termite mounds. They prefer to be elevated to see if danger or prey is approaching.
The leopard, Panthera pardus, is in category vulnerable on the IUCN red list.
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Hanneke –
Stunning picture Anette 🙏🏼
Anette Mossbacher –
Leopards love termite hills. That is for these elusive animals a higher lookout point for prey if they do not sit up in a tree!
Thanks a lot, Hanneke.
Ciao Anette