Among the millions of beetle species on the planet, few capture attention quite like dung beetles — not because of how they look, but because of their unusual lifestyle. These industrious insects seek out and collect dung, shaping it into balls that they roll away to serve as nourishment for themselves and their offspring.
It’s a remarkable survival strategy, one that fascinates scientists and nature lovers alike.
But humans aren’t the only ones intrigued by dung beetles.
Recently, wildlife photographer Nick Kleer was on safari in South Africa’s Mala Mala Game Reserve when he stumbled upon an unforgettable encounter.
Not far away, a hardworking dung beetle was busy transporting a perfectly formed ball of dung across the dirt road. Kleer wasn’t the only observer — a nearby leopard had also noticed the beetle’s determined journey. Ignoring Kleer completely, the big cat fixated on the tiny insect, clearly captivated by the beetle’s dedication.
Unable to resist her curiosity, the leopard stepped closer for a better look — a charming moment Kleer managed to capture on video.
Even in the wild, the classic inquisitiveness we associate with household cats is alive and well in their larger relatives.
Thankfully for the beetle, after inspecting the little creature and its precious cargo, the leopard decided neither was worth sampling.
Through images like these, Kleer highlights the beauty of Africa’s iconic predators — animals that deserve admiration and protection.
According to the World Land Trust, African leopards face threats including shrinking habitat, illegal wildlife trade, dwindling prey populations and poorly regulated trophy hunting.
But in protected areas such as Mala Mala, leopards, dung beetles and countless other species still have the freedom to live, roam and explore safely.