In this narrated video submitted to Latest Sightings, we get an interesting insight into the dynamics between two species. Both members of the famed Big Five, we witness a pride of lions engaging in a standoff with a herd of buffalo.
The footage was filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
What lions do best
As the video starts, we see a pride of nine lions on the banks of one of Kruger’s main rivers. Looking well fed, they are doing what lions do best: sleeping.
Lions are most active at night, consequently spending up to 20 hours sleeping per day.
Buffalo nearby
Subsequently, the video cuts to a scene shot across the river. There, we see a herd of Cape buffalo, estimated to number some 300 individuals.
Buffaloes are highly dependent on water and will typically drink twice per day.
Consequently, when the narrator found the same herd later in the day, she correctly assumed they were on their way to drink once more.
Trouble ahead
However, as the herd made its way down to the river, they found their path blocked. The lions that had been spotted earlier were still resting by the river.
Buffalo are one of the main prey species of lions in Kruger, so the tourist fancied she might be in for some action. However, to her dismay, the lions initially showed little interest in the approaching smorgasbord of succulent buffalo meat.
Oh yeah… we’re lions
However, after a few minutes, some of the lions, as the narrator put it, seemed to remember that they were predators. Subsequently, a few did predator-like things by slinking into cover, preparing an ambush.
Others, however, seemed content to remain where they were. Were they trying to lull the buffalo into a false sense of security?
Driven by thirst
Meanwhile, the buffalo were getting increasingly antsy. Having spent the day in the hot sun, their thirst drove them ever closer to the lions that blocked their path.
As they did, it became all but impossible for the lions to ignore them. After all, it’s not every day their favourite prey practically invites an attack.
Action stations
As a result, the pride stirred and spread out to face the buffalo, looking for any weakness in their formidable ranks.
As the tension grew, it was anyone’s guess as to which species would take the initiative. Would the buffalo force their way past the lions to the water? Or would the lions do what lions do second best: hunt.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Looking for weakness
As it happened, it was the lions who were first to act. They charged at the herd, hoping to separate a young or weakened member from its ranks.
At one point, several of them went after a large bull. But when he turned to face them, it became apparent that the lion’s hearts were not in the effort.
Back and forth
Subsequently, the herd tried a few more times to force their way past the lions to the life-giving water. However, each time, their advance was repelled by the stubborn lions.
Status quo restored
Ultimately, the buffalo had no choice but to give up. As the video came to an end, the buffalo were seen retreating and would have to find water elsewhere.
As for the lions, they resumed their favourite pastime, settling down to rest in preparation for the long night ahead.