Watch the sighting here:
A male lion had a rude awakening when another male snuck up on it while it was sleeping. After exploding into action, the joke was over before it began.
Submitted to Latest Sightings by apprentice field guide, Aiden Blake, the footage was recorded in Dinokeng Game Reserve.
Delay causes opportunity
According to Aiden, “Had it not been for (a) flat tyre, we would probably not have experienced this.” He explains that he got a puncture en route to a reported lion sighting.
He reckons they would otherwise not have seen this interaction.
Stalking
Whatever the timing, when he and his guests arrived, they found a male lion sleeping in thick grass. Soon after stopping next to it, another male lion began stalking the sleeping beast.
Typical cat
In true cat fashion, the stalking lion carefully places his hind paws exactly where it lifts the front paw. Cats do this to minimize the chances of making a noise.
It is so effective, that the sleeping lion does not stir at all.
Leaping into action
When the lion is within a few metres of its target, in typical lion fashion, it rushes the remaining distance.
Instant reaction
No sooner have its paws touched the hindquarters of the sleeping lion than it reacts explosively. Interestingly, the reaction time of lions is about half that of domestic cats.
The next few seconds are a blur of swiping paws, punctuated by vicious snarls.
As the attacking lion goes for the softer underside, its opponent is quick to seize the attacker by the mane. Doing so allows it to quickly regain parity in the battle.
A fight to the death?
Male lions are highly territorial. They constantly patrol their domain, scent marking and vocalising to advertise their presence.
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When intruding males are encountered, resident males will attempt to evict them, by violent means if necessary. When this happens, serious injuries or death are not uncommon.
As the fight goes on, the outcome is an open question. It certainly looks and sounds violent. But is it?
Pranked!!!
As it turns out, this was merely one lion playing a joke on its ally. For, as quickly as the fight started, it was over.
As the dust settles, the two lions briefly stare one another down. As Aiden recalled, moments later the two lions lay down side by side and promptly fell asleep.
Lion alliances
Male lions, particularly if they are related, will often form alliances. By doing so, they can defend larger territories, dominate more prides of females, and consequently, mate with more partners.
These bonds may last a lifetime but can become strained if resources are scarce. This may cause prides to splinter, or fatal fights between former allies.
The largest coalition of males ever recorded was known as the Mapogo coalition. The six lions dominated sections of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve between 2006 and 2012.
Renowned for their violence, they killed numerous interlopers, reluctant females, and dozens of cubs in pride takeovers. Some ascribe up to 100 lion fatalities to the alliance. At their prime, they controlled eight prides of females.