For social predators, like lions, with many mouths to feed, it pays to go after larger prey. In this video, a pride’s efforts appear thwarted by the buffalos’ determined defence.
Dipesh Parekh submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the encounter in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
Blustering buffalos
As Dipesh’s video starts, the camera first focuses on a herd of Cape buffalo. The herd grows agitated, signalling to us that something is threatening them.
As one of the famed Big Five, buffalo are known to be highly aggressive at times. So, for them to display such unsettled behaviour suggests the threat is real and imminent.
Principle predator
Subsequently, the camera pans, revealing the source of their discomfort. There are several lions near the herd, evidently intent on securing a meal.
Lions are the main predators of buffalo. Using a combination of brute strength and tactical teamwork, few other predators enjoy their hunting success rate against these blustering bovids.
Offence as a defence
Meanwhile, for buffalo, the most effective form of defence is to go on the offensive. Accordingly, when one of the lionesses gets too close, the herd charges as one.
Weighing in at up to 900 kilograms and equipped with heavy horns, the combined phalanx of angry buffalo presents a formidable sight. Consequently, and sensibly, the lioness keeps her distance.
As the buffalo charge, we see a possible source of the lion’s interest. Surprisingly close to the front of the herd, a small calf joins the stampede.
However, with the lions retreating, it is safe. For now.
Widespread trap
As the camera follows the action, we see that there are at least seven lions present. While some taunt the herd at close proximity, the others spread out, ready to corral the herd and prevent its escape.
All the while, the pride is looking for any chink in the buffalo’s armour. This may come in the form of a separated calf or an injured adult showing signs of weakness.
Fury frustrated
As the tension mounts, one of the bulls breaks from the herd and charges towards the lions. Lighter and more agile, the predators easily evade its wrathful fury.
In open terrain such as this, this kind of see-saw confrontation can go on for longer periods. Every thrust is met with a parry until one of the species makes a critical blunder.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Letting it drag on
Accordingly, the lions are content to let it drag on. Rather than risk injury or death in a headlong assault, at times they retreat to regroup.
This leaves the buffalo on edge, forcing them to make the next move. If and when they do, they may well expose the vulnerability the lions are looking for.
Cracks start to show
Subsequently, when the herd tries to drive them off again, their formation is more fragmented. If they carry on like this, the lions may soon get the chance they’ve been waiting for.
Furthermore, the lions have another ace up their sleeves. As the light fades, we’re reminded that darkness will inevitably fall.
When it does, the tables will turn decisively in their favour thanks to superior night vision. While we don’t see the conclusion in the video, it’s safe to say the lions will feast tonight.