Mark Fox submitted this video to Latest Sightings. No location information was provided.
When prey don’t run
The easy assumption when prey species encounter predators is that they will flee. However, on some occasions, these animals choose to face their aggressors.
This calculation is made based on several variables. These include the ratio of predators to prey, size differences, terrain, and physical condition. Additionally, the instinctive fight-or-flight response will play a role.
Stand-off
We join the action as a pack of African wild dogs confronts a lone female waterbuck.
In frame, we see three dogs, although additional footage reveals the pack had ten members. This would be more than enough to tackle the large antelope.
As the waterbuck keeps an eye on the dogs, they seem more interested in a pair of vocal blacksmith lapwings.
First move
Meanwhile, the antelope’s posture suggests that it is alert and uncomfortable. Possibly realising that to flee would invite pursuit, it does the opposite, and approaches a few steps towards the dogs.
In response, the dogs barely take notice, their attention firmly aimed at the lapwings.
Different types of vision
Subsequently, we see the ewe turn her head slightly.
Due to their differing needs, the vision of predators and prey varies. The eyes of predators face forward to focus on their prey.
To afford them a wider field of vision to detect threats, the eyes of prey species are located on the side of the head.
The dog’s attention remains focused on the birds, as are their large ears.
Tension mounts
Despite the dog’s ambivalence towards its presence, the tension is rising for the antelope as the stalemate continues.
Possibly hoping to defuse the deadlock, the waterbuck decides to take the initiative and again takes steps towards the dogs.
Consequently, the dogs take notice and scatter to avoid her charge.
However, the offensive is short-lived with the ewe pulling up short and the dogs quickly regrouping.
Curiously, as the dust settles, the canines’ focus returns to the protesting lapwings.
Strategic retreat
As the encounter drags on, the waterbuck retreats somewhat as the rest of the pack advances onto the dam wall.
Stotting for show
At this point, the antelope deploys another deterrence strategy, trying to dupe the dogs. Turning her back on them, she performs a ritualised trot, known as “stotting”. This strategy shows her physical prowess.
However, instead of putting them off, her brief flight stimulates the pack to half-heartedly chase her. Accordingly, she stops and turns to face them once again.
In turn, the dogs pause. They are not interested in hunting the waterbuck. Note how one of the dogs in the above image returns its attention to the lapwings the moment the pack stops.
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Anti-climax
After standing motionless for a while, one by one the pack focus their attention on something beyond the dam wall. Subsequently, the entire pack then disappears over the embankment, finally leaving the waterbuck in peace.
Possible explanation
There is a theory that waterbucks secrete an oil on their skin that makes their meat taste bad to predators. However, since they are preyed on by a range of predators, this notion remains contentious. It could just be that, at the time, the dogs were not hungry.