Cape buffalo are one of the main species preyed on by lions. However, buffalo have evolved strategies to deal with the threat they pose, as shown in this video.
Jaco Joubert from MalaMala submitted this footage to Latest Sightings.
Watch the action featured in this compilation:
Time for a drink
The sighting begins in a dense woodland. There, we see a herd of Cape buffalo making their way to a nearby waterhole.
Buffaloes are highly dependent on water, often drinking twice a day. As is the case here, they live in large herds, sometimes numbering several hundred animals.
Lions await
Next, the video cuts to a large male lion. He can hear the buffalo approaching. Lions often rest near waterholes, happy to let potential meals come to them.
Subsequently, we see several lionesses. They, too, have picked up on the approaching buffalo.
While male lions shoulder the bulk of the territorial defensive duties, females do most of the hunting. However, when hunting buffalo, it’s useful to have the added bulk and strength of a male to bring down these cantankerous beasts.
Male takes the lead
Later, we see the male lion stretching. As someone is heard commenting, it looks like he is initiating a hunt.
Subsequently, we see him link up with one of the lionesses. By this stage, it is a near-certainty that they’re intent on ambushing the buffalo.
The pair rub each other affectionately. This reinforces the bonds they share, which are vital when going after dangerous prey like buffalo.
Watch and learn
Meanwhile, another female rises to join the hunting group. Behind her, several sub-adult cubs are visible.
Too small and inexperienced to join the hunt, they watch the adults with interest. Observations like this are essential if they are to become efficient predators in their own right.
Ambush hunters
In the meantime, the male positions himself behind a small stand of shrubs. In the background, the buffalo approach the water, unaware of the lion’s presence.
Lions are ambush hunters. This means that they must get as close to their prey as possible before launching their attack.
Although capable of speeds up to 80 km/h, they do not have the stamina to maintain high-speed chases for more than 400 metres.
In the interim, the two females are similarly hidden a short distance away. Everything looks set, and it’s now just a matter of waiting for the buffalo to get within range.
Ideally, their prey should be within twenty metres for lions to have the highest chance of success. In this case, though, the waterhole is an obstacle they’ll have to get around.
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Jumping the gun
However, the male cannot contain himself. Driven by hunger, he loses patience and burst from his hiding place.
Consequently, the moment the buffalo sense his presence, they turn to flee. Even so, if there are any young or injured buffalo lagging behind, he still might be in with a chance.
Unfortunately for the lion, no suitable targets are seen.
Counter-offensive
Meanwhile, the buffalo stop running and turn to face their tormentors. They know that their best chance of escaping the onslaught is to counteract it with one of their own.
Accordingly, it is now the lions’ chance to flee as the buffalo close ranks on them. Densely packed and weighing up to 900 kg apiece, the buffalo push back towards the lions.
Their plans thwarted, the lions have no choice but to melt back into the woodland. For the buffalo, with the threat now suppressed, they can finally enjoy a well-deserved drink.
