Survival in the African bush sometimes depends on knowing your limitations. In this video, a lone adversary gives a pride of lions the runaround.
Mark Fox of Exploring Africa submitted this amusing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Lions in the long grass
As we join Mark at the sighting, we see a pair of lionesses in long grass. As members of the Big Five, lions are one of the most sought-after species by tourists.
They are found throughout the park, although they generally prefer fairly open terrain with ample cover.
A big intrusion
Suddenly, a big intruder arrives on the scene, setting the lion’s on edge. It is a southern white rhino, another member of the famed Big Five.
Weighing in at up to 2 tons, rhinos are all but invulnerable to predators. Sadly, however, they are one of the most sought-after species by criminal poachers.
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Lions give way, with good reason
Subsequently, as the rhino gets closer, the lions give way. With the rhino in apparently good health, the lions sense that it is not worth trying their luck.
Over and above their size, rhinos have an incredibly thick hide, measuring up to 5 centimetres in places. Furthermore, their short-sightedness makes them unpredictable when threatened. It is said that they investigate by trampling.
Playing it safe
As the sighting progresses, we learn that there are more than two lions present. In fact, an entire pride of more than ten cats is resting in the long grass.
The pride includes several lionesses and their year-old cubs. Accordingly, the lionesses decide to play it safe rather than put their offspring at risk.
Interaction intensifies
If anything, the rhino prolongs the interaction. Although its vision is poor, it can detect movement and smell the predators.
However, the rhino’s behaviour is more curious than belligerent. Regardless, the pride members do well to stay clear of its bulk.
Therefore, with the stakes fairly low, the interaction is a good learning opportunity for the younger lions. Even though they are Africa’s apex predators, they need to understand they are not invincible.
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A big game for big game
It is interesting to note that while there seems to be no benefit in doing so, both species continue to engage. It is like a game of cats and a very big mouse.
Only in this case, it is the “mouse” that does most of the chasing.
Eventually, however, the lions tire of the game. They need to conserve their energy for the serious business of hunting.
An icon diluted
Now, you may have been wondering why the rhino’s horn doesn’t have a sharp point. This, unfortunately, is the consequence of the aforementioned poaching.
To deter poachers, authorities in South African public and private game parks have resorted to periodic dehorning.
What a shame that this iconic species must lose its most distinctive feature to quell human greed. Especially after witnessing one confidently dealing with an entire pride of lions.
