Ever since lions evolved to become the only social big cat, they have been able to tackle large prey. In response to this, buffalo have earned themselves a deserved reputation as a formidable adversary.
When buffalo form herds, the lions’ chances of hunting success diminish, leading them to target smaller groups. However, all too often this means that they have to deal with belligerent old males, commonly referred to as ‘dagga (mud) boys’.
A bull in a thicket
And, it is just such a scenario that we are presented with in this tense video. As it begins, we see what appears to be a lone bull standing in an acacia thicket.
It is only when we look a bit closer that we notice a lion in the shade to the left of the scene. Given their proximity, drama is inevitable.
Marshalling the troops
Suddenly, another lion walks past the camera, come to join his pride. As it does, it ratchets the tension… the troops are gathering for what could be an epic battle.
Still, the big bull stands his ground. Realising that flight now would elicit pursuit, he conserves his energy to see what unfolds.
Advance!
Once mustered, the pride rises to meet its foe. Heads held low in threat, they stalk forward.
However, it is only now that we realise that a second bull is present. It had been hidden from view in the dense shade of the thicket.
Spooked!
No sooner has the pride advanced a few steps than the second bull loses its nerve and turns to flee. This, in turn spooks the lions, causing them to scatter in all directions
This says a lot about the mutual respect of the species. Having said that, the lions visible do look young, suggesting inexperience.
New strategy
Next, the lions devise a new strategy. Subsequently, we see a couple of them skirt around the buffalo, hoping to outflank them.
In the background, we can see that the bull did not go far, preferring to keep his foe in sight, than lose them in the thicket.
If at first you don’t succeed…
Once in position, the lions advance again, this time from two directions. To avoid injuries, lions use teamwork to outwit and tire larger prey.
As they head into the shadows to do battle, it seems a battle royale is in the offing. Unfortunately, though, we can’t see what happens next in the dense thicket.
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Bust-up in the bush
But, we can picture it as lion snarls and buffalo bellows shatter the quiet bushveld scene.
Then, as lions are seen running out of the thicket, it quickly becomes obvious who won this round. So far, the buffalo have taken the first two rounds without the lions landing a blow.
Try, try, and try again
That is not to say that the predators are either bowed or broken. Realising that they are still in the fight, the lions turn.
Once again, they stalk into the shadows…
As they do, more arrive to bolster their cause. Will it be a case of third time lucky?
Unfortunately, we never find out. As the video comes to an end, both the lions and buffalo disappear from view, with only the vague sound of snarling lions suggesting that the battle is ongoing.