The incredible feat by the buffalo was filmed by Gerrie Kruger of Gateway Safaris.
Large male lions chase buffalo onto open road
Gerrie explained that the three big male lions had chased two of the buffalo out onto the open road.
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This was to the delight of the game viewers, including tourists in an openback jeep who were visibly stirred up to see such incredible action from so close up.
They literally had front row seats and judging from their excited expressions, they knew it!
Bringing down a buffalo – not an easy feat
Three large male lions can be a formidable hunting team, but even a powerful coalition can struggle to bring down a healthy adult buffalo.
Male lions frequently hunt buffalo, but hunting success depends on factors such as the number of lions involved, the size and condition of the prey, wind direction, vegetation and cover.
The lions managed to surround one of the buffalos, which retaliated by using its horns. The second buffalo stood at the side of the road, watching the ordeal unfold. This buffalo adopted an intimidating posture.
There were two buffalo to three lions, however these buffalo meant business.
Buffalo proves to be formidable opponent
A buffalo is an exceptionally dangerous opponent. It can turn suddenly, charge at an attacking lion and use its horns and sheer strength to fend off the predators. Buffalo have been documented resisting lion attacks for extended periods, sometimes forcing the lions to abandon the attempt.
The buffalo which had been surrounded by the lions was showing its mettle as a formidable opponent. While two of the lions approached it from behind, it used its horns to ram one of them off of the road.
One of the lions tore at its hide with claws and teeth, however, the buffalo demonstrated tremendous strength.
With brute force it managed to intimidate the lions, turning and bucking and holding its ground.
Buffalo succeeds in chasing lions away
In spite of being outnumbered, the buffalo eventually managing to chase off the lions.
Gerrie explained there were in fact two failed attacks on the buffalo. Despite these being particularly large, muscular lions, they somehow didn’t succeed in bringing either of the two buffalo down.
The lions had put in a good attempt, however, eventually they had to admit defeat. They could be seen running down the road, into the distance. They had repeatedly tested the buffalo but had been unable to overpower them.
This was possibly because the buffalo had remained upright and kept facing the attackers. This made it much harder for the lions to get them off balance.
The situation could have turned out very differently had the buffalo been injured, isolated or otherwise vulnerable.
For this trio of lions it meant losing a potential meal. For the buffalo, it meant the grace to continue for another day in the harsh, often unpredictable bushveld.
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