These hungry lions scored a 10 out of 10 for zeal when they took on an entire buffalo herd.
While it has been said that the strength of a lion is in the pride, the same is true of buffalo. Buffalo are strong opponents to a lion, however, unified as a herd, they become deadly – especially when they are in a stampede!
These lions, however, weren’t deterred by the thunder of hooves caused by the buffaloes’ unified motion.
Lions sprint after stampeding buffalo
As risky as it seems, lions do hunt in the presence of a herd of buffalo. When a herd of buffalo begins to move quickly or stampede, nearby lion may attempt a hunt if the conditions are favourable.
Lions typically rely on ambush rather than long chases, approaching to within about 20 to 30 m before charging. Their top speed can reach around 60 km/h, but only for short distances, so success depends on surprise and coordination rather than endurance.
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Buffalo swarm together as attack ensues
Buffalo have formidable horns and aren’t afraid to use them. However, it’s their reliance on herd unity which makes them risky prey. They tend to cluster together, with stronger adults often positioning themselves between predators and more vulnerable members such as calves.
A stampeding herd can be difficult for lions to control, but it may also create opportunities if individuals become separated. Lions will focus on isolating a single animal, usually targeting the young, old, or injured, as healthy adult buffalo are large and dangerous.
Commotion breaks out as lions pursue buffalo
These lions seemed unafraid as they ran alongside the buffalo. The large creatures were as numerous as ants and streamed together into a river of stampeding hooves. Younger ones could be seen among them, including calves; which seemed to get swept up in the sea of moving animals.
The lions themselves were easy to lose sight of as they moved towards the herd and took a chance on trying to catch prey.
The herd, however, managed to successfully evade their ambush, with all members accounted for as they evacuated the river bed and the lions’ presence.
Buffalo successfully evade lions’ ambush
One of the lionesses could be seen watching after them, as they ran into the distance. There was much dust kicked up in the air and it had been an energetic pursuit, however, to no avail. None of the herd we snatched up as dinner during the commotion.
What was evident was the strong bond between herd members and the somewhat militant unity with which they operated.
When a herd of African buffalo begins to stampede, it is usually a defensive reaction to predators such as African lion. Buffalo are highly social and rely on group cohesion for protection. A stampede creates confusion, dust, and noise, which can make it harder for lions to isolate a single target.
This tactic worked as all herd members were accounted for at the end of the ordeal.