When lions hunt buffalo, it often results in a battle of wits and brawn. The fight will often see-saw before one species or the other prevails.
Anton Van Loggerenberg shared this footage with Latest Sightings. He filmed the action while on a game drive in South Africa’s Manyeleti Game Reserve.
Sense of anticipation
As we join Anton at the sighting, we’re immediately filled with a sense of anticipation. In the foreground, a pair of young lions watch a small herd of Cape buffalo leaving a waterhole.
Since all animals must drink, lions often position themselves near water, hoping to ambush prey. However, the two youngsters are not yet ready to tackle such formidable adversaries.
She means business
However, when the camera settles on a mature lioness, it is clear she means business. Even so, buffalo are between 3 and 5 times heavier than lions; the challenge is formidable.
At this stage, it is unclear whether she has adult backup. Sometimes cubs can ruin hunts through their inexperience.
Never Miss A Viral Safari Video
Amazing hunting sequences, like this battle between lions and buffalo, are a favorite among our members. To be among the first to see our latest sighting videos, join our exclusive alert list. Click the button above to join the WhatsApp chat right now and never miss another thrilling moment.
Launching the attack
Moments later, the camera pans wildly, revealing a tawny blur streaking toward the buffalo. The lioness has launched her attack.
With a top speed of 85 km/h, lions are much quicker than buffalo. Consequently, she has no trouble catching up to a cow.
With a leap, the lioness sinks her claws into the rump of the fleeing buffalo.
With claws anchoring her, she then tries to sink her fangs into the buffalo’s back. If successful, she could cripple her prey by severing its spine.
Conspiring circumstances
However, she fails to penetrate its thick hide. At the same time, the buffalo slows down.
Therefore, the lion’s momentum continues to carry it forward. With these small changes, circumstances conspire against the lioness.
Consequently, she crashes to the ground alongside the now stationary buffalo.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Seizing the initiative
Having won the opening round, the buffalo decides to capitalise on her advantage. As the lioness gets to her feet, the cow goes on the offensive.
Sporting a pair of vicious, heavy horns, she charges after the lioness, who only narrowly misses being gored.
Overwhelmed
By this stage, the animals have moved into thicker vegetation. There, the pride and the buffalo face off.
However, the lions manage to outmanoeuvre her, while the rest of the herd thunders off.
Before long, the lioness jumps onto its rump. Then, as more lions pile in, the buffalo’s chances of another lucky escape fade.
Before long, the buffalo is brought to the ground and held there by the weight of several lions. One of the lions clamps its jaws over her windpipe.
With asphyxiation underway, it won’t be long before the cats feed. If indeed they wait even that long.
