Leopard Leaps to Snatch Prey From Mid-Air

Prophet was in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, an animal reserve spanning Botswana and South Africa, when he recognized the photo opportunity. With his trained eye, Prophet spotted the leopard studying the birds flying overhead, and started clicking away. 

The big cat was orginally scoping out the sandgrouse at a nearby watering hole before they took flight, but this kitty didn't let a little height stop it. Instead, it got on its hind legs and went for it with a giant leap.

The leopard learned these skills from its mother, who is the family expert in sandgrouse snatching. Staff at the reserve have watched the mother expertly catch the birds on several occasions, and it looks like her kids are catching on.

Once the leopard secured its prey, it wasted no time digging in. One of these small birds can satisfy this large predator for only a few hours, though. Then it's back to the chow line.

The leopards of the reserve choose to hunt sandgrouse because they're relatively easy birds to nab. Sandgrouse are water dependent, meaning the big cats know they can find the birds by the watering hole at least twice a day. Additionally, sandgrouse tend to be rather loud, easily giving away their location.