A buffalo carcass is rarely left unattended for long in the African wilderness. Where there is food, there are usually predators, scavengers and opportunists waiting for their chance to feed.
In this incredible sighting filmed by Peter Craig-Cooper, some lions and a crocodile gathered to feed together on the carcass.
Lions and crocodiles are two of Africa’s most formidable predators, yet they occupy very different worlds. Lions are primarily land-based hunters, while crocodiles spend much of their lives in and around water.
When a carcass ends up close to a river or waterhole, however, those worlds can suddenly overlap as in this special moment.
Buffalo carcass attracts attention
A buffalo carcass is a valuable source of food.
For these lions, the carcass represented a substantial meal. Lions are capable of consuming large quantities of meat when food is available, particularly after making a successful kill. A pride may remain around a carcass for hours or even days, depending on its size and how quickly other predators and scavengers arrive.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
However, near water, lions cannot necessarily assume that they have exclusive rights to their food. Nile crocodiles are opportunistic predators and scavengers, and they are particularly well adapted to taking advantage of animals which die close to the water.
Their powerful jaws and teeth allow them to tear pieces from large carcasses.
Both species lingered around the carcass, in a magnificent sighting. The lions were aware of the crocodile and treated its presence with caution.
Lioness searches for prime feeding spot
The male lion was particularly comfortable and as th King of the Jungle, reclined on the sandy banks, quite content.
No doubt his stomach was full from the buffalo feast.
The lioness also enjoyed fair share of food, and the crocodile managed to sneak arouond to the hind quartres of the carcass, while the lioness fed from the slain buffalo’s innards.
The moment presented some breathtaking views, with two of Africa’s most powerful species feeding side by side.
The lioness even took some moments for refreshing drink of water; and paraded the area with a certain authority in spite of the presence of the crocodiles.
Second croc appears for feed
Another crocodile eventually joined the first crocodile in the determined feeding frenzy. The crocs’ presence on the riverbanks was a reminder just how large these species are.
Neither the lions nor the crocs wanted to waste energy fighting unless there was something worth fighting for. Injuries can be costly in the wild. A predator which is injured while defending food may later struggle to hunt, feed or protect itself. Avoiding unnecessary conflict can therefore be an important survival strategy.
King Of The Jungle rules the moment
The King of the Jungle continued to rule the moment, his majesty clearly on display; giving game viewers the opportunity to take the perfect snapshot.
This sighting was a reminder that some of the most memorable moments in the bushveld occur at the water’s edge. It’s for this reason that it’s a good idea to sit around by waterholes to see what transpires. Nature often surprises even the most experienced game viewers.
Watch nature’s most scintillating views
Stay updated with the latest and most epic species encounters with our Latest Sightings WhatsApp group. Click here to join.
