When we think of hunting lions, we typically think of them going after large prey, like buffalo, giraffe, or zebra. And while that is not inaccurate, large prey species are not always easily found.
At such times, even the mighty lion has to make do with whatever it can find. And, it was just such an incident that was recorded in this video.
Singular focus
As the video begins, we see a mature lioness in stalking mode. With her head held low, she is singularly focused on her target.
Although the terrain offers no cover, she holds her body low to the ground, hoping to catch her quarry unaware.
Avoiding detection
Carefully placing her hind paws exactly where she has just lifted her front paws, she seeks to further minimize the chance of detection.
Typically, when lions hunt, they will attempt to stalk as close as possible to their target. Then, when they feel they are within range, they’ll launch themselves, hoping to catch their prey before it has time to react.
Attack launched
Just as the lioness is about to pass in front of the game drive vehicle, she launches her attack. Lions can accelerate from a standing start to a top speed of 80 km/h in a matter of seconds
She has barely passed the front of the vehicle, and she is already in full stride. Surely she will be on top of her prey at any moment.
Run rabbit run
In the fading light, it isn’t easy to make out what she is chasing. Only a few tiny puffs of dust left in the wake of a fleeing scrub hare give the game away.
While we don’t see just when the hare spotted its enemy, it is clear that it is not about to wait around. Running for its life, it too is up to top speed in a matter of seconds.
However, with a top speed of 70 km/h, it seems the hare is at a disadvantage. Who will win in this race for survival?
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Evasive tactic deployed
As the pair streak across the clearing, we see the hare deploy a strategy that will spell the difference between life and death.
In this case, being smaller and lighter than its enemy has an advantage. Its size means it is more manoeuvrable than the lion.
A jinking path
Accordingly, the frightened scrub hare runs a zig-zag path, jinking left and right at top speed. This makes it difficult for the pursuing lioness to anticipate its path.
This tactic gains the hare valuable seconds in its flight for freedom. As for the lioness, she struggles to gain on her would-be snack.
If anything, she begins to realise that this is a race she will not win. For predators, energy conservation is all-important, especially when their reserves are already on the wane.
And so, as the video draws to an end, we see the lioness gradually slowing down. Meanwhile, the hare is taking no chances and continues to sprint its jinking path across the floodplain.
The video is an interesting illustration of how strong the pursuit imperative is in predators, even when the rewards are meager.