Morne du Plessis submitted an action-packed video to Latest Sightings, which he filmed in the Kruger National Park.
Intercept
In the video, we join the action as a lioness sprints through shallow water to intercept a fleeing male waterbuck.
Seconds later, as she leaps in front of the waterbuck, we see that she is not alone in her efforts. A second lioness is in hot pursuit.
As the first lion collides mid-air with the antelope, the second runs in to assist in subduing it. Barely have they brought it to ground, when yet more lions arrive on the scene.
According to Morne, a total of 19 lions, including two males and cubs, joined the ensuing feast.
In itself, this would’ve been an amazing sighting, but it soon got even more interesting.
Croc in the current
As the pride surrounds the carcass, each intent on getting their share, another hungry bystander drifts onto the scene. Carried along by the swiftly flowing current, a large crocodile comes into view.
Almost immediately, the lions notice it. While some look on confused, one of the large males is not happy with the intrusion and rises to meet it. As for the other male, he is too engrossed in his meal to notice.
Meanwhile, the cubs, obviously scared of the prehistoric reptile, do what they have to do to get as far away from it as possible.
Subsequently, the crocodile rises from the water as if to intimidate the male lion, but he is having none of it. This is his kill and his family, and he has every intention of defending both.
New approach
Realising that this won’t be the easy meal it had hoped for, the crocodile allows the current to carry it past the scene. However, it isn’t about to abandon its efforts at scavenging. If anything, it is looking for another way to approach the fresh carcass.
However, the male appears to fall for it and promptly turns back to the kill to resume feeding.
Not easily fooled
The females are not convinced. And, sure enough, no sooner has the crocodile swept past than it turns towards them once again.
In response, three of the lionesses abandon their place at the carcass. Standing side by side, they keep a close eye on the persistent reptile.
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Foiled by the felines
Faced with this phalanx of feminine feline ferocity, the crocodile makes the wisest decision possible. With that, it allows the current to carry it away. It will have to look elsewhere for a free meal.
As it drifts downstream, the lionesses are now free to get back to their meal.
Perks of prides
Lions are the only large social cats. While most of their relatives prefer a solitary existence, lions have realised there are numerous benefits in living in groups.
In the video, we see how they use a multi-pronged ambush strategy to catch the waterbuck. Additionally, subduing the prey is easier when they have the numerical advantage.
Additionally, all adults are willing defenders, both of their resources and their offspring. Cubs born to large prides have a greater chance of surviving to adulthood.
Lion prides are beneficial to more than just their constituent members. They also bring stability to ecosystems by regulating herbivore populations, thereby curbing the spread of disease and reducing pressure on the overall habitat.