Among the Big Five, an ancient rivalry exists between buffalo and lions. In this footage, a brave bull does his best to fend off an attack by several lionesses.
Tirnielle Williams submitted this exciting footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Alert buffalo
We join the action in Tirnielle’s video to see a pair of buffalo standing at the roadside. Their alert postures tell us that there is danger nearby.
Cape buffaloes live in large herds in which they find collective safety and mutual protection. This is vital when predators are nearby, especially lions.
Consequently, it comes as no surprise when we see the tawny shapes of their greatest enemies emerging from the bushes. It is a pride of lions, hoping to make a meal of one of the buffalo.
Taking a stand
As some of the herd flee, one brave young bull turns to face the lions. His actions temporarily stop the lions’ advance.
As a result, some members of the herd can cross the road while the young bull holds off the predators. However, in protecting his herd, the bull has inadvertently isolated itself.
Playing catch-up
On realising this, the bull turns to catch up with the rest of the herd. As he sets off, however, the lions resume their pursuit.
With his hindquarters unprotected, the bull knows he is vulnerable. Therefore, as the lions close in, he again turns to face them.
Seeing this, the lead lioness screeches to a halt. She knows to stay well clear of the bull’s heavy, curved horns. Subsequently, there is a stand-off in the middle of the road.
Once again, his courageous stand allows other members of his herd to pass. And once again, he is left isolated as his comrades move on.
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Two-pronged tactics
Facing off against two lionesses, with more to come, the bull is getting into deep trouble. As cooperative hunters, lions know just how to exploit these situations.
As one of the lionesses lunges forward, the buffalo turns. In the process, it exposes its rump to the other lion.
Almost instantly, the predator launches itself onto the bull’s rump and bites into its leg. As it clings on, things are starting to look dire for the bull.
Help arrives
However, true to form, one of the other buffalo arrives to help its stricken compatriot. With its head lowered, it charges in, targeting the attacking lioness.
It then swipes its massive head sideways, jabbing a horn into the lion’s belly and flinging it into the air.
Consequently, the lioness lets go of the first buffalo. The moment it is free of the other buffalo’s horns, it runs to safety.
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The last stand?
Despite the setback, the lions are not about to quit. Instead, the pride follows the bull over the road and into the bush.
Moments later, the bull again turns to face his foes. However, as several lions now surround him, things look to be going from bad to worse.
As the video draws to a close, a lion leaps onto his back, leaving us to wonder whether the bull’s mates came to his rescue.
