Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments in the wild unfold quickly. This was the case for professional guide, Nic Nel, who filmed the action at Mala Mala Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. It took three lionesses several hours to subdue a Cape buffalo bull. Despite the efforts of the buffalo’s compatriots, it was the patience, strength and determination of the lions that ultimately triumphed.
According to Nel, he had been tracking a resident pride of lions for some time when they found three of the lionesses. He said that although healthy, they did look a bit lean. As they followed, the lions came upon a bachelor herd of buffalo. And so the stage was set for a protracted battle between two of Africa’s toughest animals.
Lions are great strategists when it comes to hunting tactics. Sometimes they lie in ambush, while at others, they openly assess their prey before deciding on a target. While buffalo are the mortal enemy of lions, they are by no means shrinking violets and will readily defend the herd against all threats.
Having decided their target, the lions charged at the small buffalo herd to isolate a “weaker” individual. The lions set about the task with grim determination, although how the made the decision is unclear.
At the beginning of the video, we see the one lioness on the back of the bellowing buffalo, while the other two attack its rump. Buffalo bulls visibly outweigh lions. A mature bull will weigh about 900 kilograms (2000 lbs). A large lioness weighs up to 150 kg (330 lbs).
The size disparity has driven lions to evolve as social animals, capable of bringing down prey larger than themselves. As the video progresses, its efficacy is beyond doubt. Although buffalo are individually large, they also rely on safety in numbers and willingly defend one another.
After some time, the stricken buffalo gets some relief when one of its herd mates comes rushing in. As it does, the lioness leaps clear of the buffalo and they scatter to avoid the scything horns of their victim. However, the buffalo’s relief is short-lived. No sooner does the would-be rescuer retreat than the lions are once again manoeuvring.
Soon after, an opening presents itself, two lions sink their claws and teeth into the buffalo’s hindquarters. The lions know that the best way to subdue the buffalo is with repeated attacks. As the injuries accumulate, they know it will weaken their target through blood loss, fatigue and tissue damage. They target the spine as well as the muscles and tendons of the buffalo.
Time and again we see the lions jump onto the buffalo. And time and again, we see one of the other male buffalos rush in to displace the lions. Seeing animals in distress is never pleasant, a fact attested to as we hear the guests willing the buffalo’s compatriots to assist. At times they also urge the lions to watch out for the charging buffalo.
As brave as they are, we can only guess that the rest of the herd has a sense of the inevitable as the assault continues. It is curious though, that when help arrives, the injured buffalo does not retreat. Or maybe it is just too weakened.
Of course, the lions are relentless and don’t give the buffalo any respite.
According to Nic Nel, the attacks continued over several hours. At one point, the buffalo crashes to the ground but somehow gets back to its feet. Soon, however, the lions once again pull it down. And in a gory finale, we see that the rest of the pride has arrived.
And as the buffalo bellows for help, the pride, including cubs, begins to feast before the buffalo is dead. When observing distressing scenes like this in Nature, it is important to remember that our values are not universal in the natural kingdom.
The sole aim of the lions was to immobilise the buffalo, and with that accomplished, the feast could begin.
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