The 'biggies'

  · Elephants
  · Hippos
  · Buffalos

Predators

> Leopards

  · Cheetahs
  · Hyaenas
  · Lions
  · More Lions
  · Wild Dogs

Antelopes

  · Bushbuck
  · Eland
  · Gerenuk
  · Hartebeest
  · Impala
  · Kudu
  · Topi
  · Waterbuck
  · Wildebeest

The Rest

  · Birds
  · Baboons
  · Genet
  · Giraffe
  · Monkeys
  · Zebra
  · More Zebra

People

· Samburu

Leopard Sketches

Panthera pardus Chui

Late afternoon at Samburu/Buffalo Springs is 'leopard hunting time' in the riverine forest of the Uaso Nyiro. It is not the leopards which are hunting, however, but they are being sought by visitors to the reserve. The lodges on either side of the river put out bait daily to attract these spotted cats for their guests to view while drinking sundowners on the terrace. It has become the custom for driver/guides to bring their clients into closer contact, as the leopards make their approach, or as they laze in trees.

	Below is a drawing of the leopard relaxing, waiting for supper, sprawled over a big fallen tree. Her curvaceous form is suggestive of Marilyn Munroe!

The drawing above was made at great speed while the leopard stalked past our vehicle.		The drawing directly above shows chui, chewing on the bait, holding the bone down with its enormous paw.

Most visitors are satisfied with a brief look and many camera clicks. The guides attempt to let all clients get good sightings, which results in a great variety of views for those who persevere. This portrait originated as another fast drawing, which I later worked up with some quick infill shading while queueing for another glimpse.

Pencil Sketch of leopard with spring hare in its mouth - 6Kb

An Unusual Occurrence!
While on her way to dinner, this cat suddenly sprang into the nearby bushes and brought out a Spring Hare Pedetes capensis for a 'starter'