Heine Thom sent this amusing video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it near to Olifants Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Palpable frustration
In this short video, the frustration of a young male lion is almost palpable. As we join the action, the youngster stands on the banks of the Olifants River.
His posture is alert, and he is looking at something in the nearby trees. In the background, we can hear the excited chattering and alarm calls of a troop of Chacma baboons.
While the young lion appears to be in generally good condition, his ribcage is showing, and his belly is lean. This tells us that it has probably been a while since he last ate.
As such, it is likely that he would love to sink his teeth into one of the tormenting baboons.
Safely in the trees
Unfortunately, for the lion, the baboons are sitting safely in the trees, confident that they are beyond the reach of the lion. And, as he watches them from below, it is obvious the lion knows this too.
However, it is amusing to note that the baboon sitting on the low branch nearest the lion is staying both quiet and still.
Frustrated feline
Subsequently, as the young lion does his best to will the baboons down to his level, his frustration mounts. Then, he momentarily loses his temper, and emits a growling bark that sees his tail lash and front feet lift off the ground.
At this, the baboons increase both the volume and intensity of their taunting chatter.
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Incompetent climber
While lions can climb trees, they are nowhere near as comfortable climbing as their spotted relatives: leopards. Even though the lion is young, he seems to know that it would not be worth either his time or his dignity to try.
Of course, the baboons are not about to make things easier for their nemesis below. And, you can be sure that as their alarm calls echo across the landscape, any other potential prey will have heard that there is a hungry lion in the neighbourhood.
As Heine’s video comes to an end, the lion is no closer to resolving his dilemma. Nor, for that matter, is he any closer to filling his belly.
Warning signs
One might be tempted to think the baboon’s vocalisations target only the lion. This is only part of the story.
Yes, their calls signal to the lion that their sentries have spotted it, and as such, it shouldn’t bother trying to hunt them.
But, more than that, they communicate the lion’s presence, not only to the rest of the troop, but also to all other potential prey in the vicinity. This is known as interspecific communication. Since both species gain from the interaction, it also qualifies as a form of symbiosis.
Often, when we hear alarm calls, it is a good idea to listen out for the alarm calls of other species, as they pass the message along.
Amazingly, some species have specific alarm calls for specific predators. This lets their compatriots know what to look for, and in the case of birds of prey, where to look.
As for the lion’s gruff grunt, well, that is as it appears. He was just annoyed and frustrated.