For all prey species, visits to the waterhole are fraught with danger, as predators often lie in wait. Despite their thirst, these buffalo had clear priorities.
Regular contributor Rosa Swart submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it from the banks of the Shingwedzi River in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Dry season lifeline
As Rosa sat overlooking a small pool of water in they dry riverbed, a heard of approaching Cape buffalo came into view.
Deep into the dry season, such pools provide a lifeline to buffalo, which must drink twice a day.
Waiting for this moment
However, Rosa was not the only one watching the waterhole. Off to the right, an old male lion had been waiting for just such an opportunity.
Accordingly, the lion immediately approached the herd. Given that it is broad daylight and there is no cover available, it is safe to assume he was pretty desperate.
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Blind to the approaching danger
Meanwhile, the buffalo herd trotted towards the water, eager to quench their thirst. As such, they didn’t notice the lion as it closed the distance between them.
It must be said that buffalo do not have great eyesight; however, their eyes are very sensitive to movement.
Outnumbered
As is plainly apparent, the lion is heavily outnumbered by the buffalo. Furthermore, while the herd includes a few vulnerable calves, they have the protection of several bulls and very protective cows.
Accordingly, it speaks to the desperation of the lion that he is willing to forge ahead regardless of the odds. However, when a couple of the bulls spot him, the dynamic changes.
Fabled enemies
Quickly, awareness of the predator spreads through the herd. Consequently, before they have reached the water, they stop and turn to face their nemesis.
Both members of the fabled Big Five, there is no love lost between the species.
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Changing fortunes
Their survival instinct honed over time, it doesn’t take the herd long to realise they hold all the cards. Accordingly, they close ranks.
Then, with the vulnerable calves at the rear, they charge towards the lion. Seeing his fortunes change, the lion turns tail and runs.
However, in their haste, the buffalo have allowed the smallest calf to lag behind.
A crucial decision
As the lion crosses a small gulley, the herd veers to the right. On seeing this, the lion stops running and turns to watch the fleeing herd.
Subsequently, we wait with bated breath to see whether the lion will target the exposed calf.
As it happens, it seems the predator is too unnerved to try again. He makes a forlorn figure, watching his hoped-for meal disappear in the dust.
And, one cannot help but feel sorry for him as he looks towards Rosa, as if to ask, “What next?”
Let’s hope he found a solution before his hunger became a real problem.