In part, lions evolved to become social predators to enable them to tackle larger prey. In response, some prey species have evolved to meet fire with fire, as seen in this video.
Excellent Nicolas Hlatshwayo submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the Napi Road, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Lion in the long grass
As Excellent’s video begins, we’re thrown straight into the action. We see a mature male lion walking through long grass, with a small herd of Cape buffalo visible in the background.
Both species are well aware of each other. However, while the lion appears to be nonchalant, the buffalo are all alert, watching their foe’s every move.
Level playing field
Buffalo are one of the key prey species of lions in the Kruger National Park. As such, they have every reason to be wary of the massive predator.
However, in broad daylight, the buffalo can easily track the predator’s movements, levelling the playing field somewhat. As long as they can see him, the chances of a surprise attack are minimal.
Use of comfort zones
Consequently, the lion is well aware that he does not enjoy any particular advantage at this point. He, too, has reason to be wary. If the herd stampede, he could just as easily become the victim.
As such, he skirts around the herd’s perimeter. Both animals are using their comfort zones to avoid escalating the already tense situation
Comfort zones are imaginary areas surrounding an animal within which it feels safe. If a threatening species encroaches on that perimeter, it will trigger their fight-or-flight response.
Powerful coalition
It is only as we follow the first lion that we discover that he is not alone. There, waiting for him, are two equally large males.
Together, they form a powerful coalition. Not only are they collectively a force to be reckoned with by any intruders to their territory, but they also form the ideal hunting unit when tackling buffalo.
Band of brothers
Their natal prides force male lions out at sexual maturity, and they typically form these coalitions. At first, banding together for their mutual survival, they later become a fighting force that others needed protection from.
As the males get closer, they acknowledge one another with a head rub, much like athletes high-fiving before a big game. With bonds forged in adversity, they know they can count on one another when the time comes.
The bonds of buffalo
Meanwhile, the buffalo continue to monitor the predators’ movements. They, too, are bound by the strength of the group. Only for them, it is a birthright.
The herd is their key defence. Although the individuals are powerful in their own right, together they present an all but impenetrable phalanx of horn, muscle, and bad attitude.
Accordingly, a nervous stalemate ensues. On the left, the lions settle into the grass, while on the right, the buffalo shuffle restlessly, their nostrils flaring with every tense breath.
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Ripples of tension
As the enemies eye one another, the tension mounts. Eventually, it gets to one of the lions, who suddenly lunges towards the close-packed herd.
However, they do not move, and the lion quickly retreats. Each thrust will be met with a counter-thrust until one or the other exposes a vulnerability.
A sinister inevitability
However, there is a sinister inevitability at play. In time, the sun will drop beyond the horizon. As darkness falls, the lions will come into their own, using superior night vision and teamwork to fracture the herds’ defences.
For now, though, they’re content to stay put. With their prey well within reach, they need only be patient. Good things come to those who wait. Unless you’re a buffalo.