This moving sighting, filmed in September 2022, highlighted the bond that exists between herd members. The herd continued to fight for the slain buffalo, even after it was clearly dead.
They weren’t about to take the onslaught of the lions on their pride lying down.
Lions feast on buffalo kill
The large pride of lions feasted on the new buffalo kill, hoping to enjoy some peace as they enjoyed their meal. However, the herd was determined to interrupt their feast.
Some of them charged at the lions, threatening with their horns, and the lions used snarls and roars to keep them at bay. The buffaloes were also fairly vocal, snorting and using their sheer size to intimidate as they surrounded the pride.
Others stood in stillness as solemn sentinels and watched from a distance.
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Once a kill is made, the pride often feeds for hours. The strongest lions will eat first, while the younger or lower-ranking members wait their turn.
The scene of a buffalo kill can be chaotic, with lions snarling, and shoving each other to claim a spot around the carcass.
They can consume up to 15 percent of their body weight in one meal, meaning a single lion may eat around 20 to 30kg of meat in a sitting.
Herd members unite in defense of slain buffalo
The pride had targeted a fairly large herd of buffalo, and while some of the buffalo were upfront in their defense of their fellow member; many of them stayed backstage, watching from beyond the trees.
For them, this was a somber moment. However, they were determined to unite in their retaliation against the onslaught.
A kill worth the risk
Buffalo are among the most dangerous prey for lions, often fighting back with horns and sheer strength. A single buffalo can weigh up to 900kg, which is much heavier than a lion.
It will usually take the coordinated effort of multiple lions to bring a single buffalo to the ground. In this sighting, the whole whole pride was involved.
Usually, the lions will attack the buffalo by targeting its hindquartres or nose, trying to weaken and suffocate it. However, many attempted hunts for buffalo fail, and lions can get seriously injured or killed in the process. This is because buffalo have weapon-like horns and powerful kicks.
African buffalo horns are impressive in both size and shape. A male’s horns can grow up to 1,5 metres across from tip to tip. The length of an individual horn, from the base to the tip following the curve, can reach around 60 to 100 centimetres.
These horns are capable of goring and even killing predators, like lions.
However, in spite of the risks, a successful buffalo kill provides a hearty meal for the entire pride. A large buffalo carcass can feed the pride for up to two days if not interrupted by scavengers like hyenas or vultures.
Even as they feast, lions remain alert, as buffalo herds sometimes return to defend the fallen, as in this instance.