A predator became the prey, when a pride of lions attacked and killed a crocodile. The incident occurred in the Busanga Plains region of Kafue National Park, Zambia.
Crocodiles are not the typical prey of lions, but when a pride of lions came across a lone croc in a wallow, it seemed curiosity got the better of the cats.
As the video begins, we see a pride of lions–including adults and sub-adults– gathered around the unfortunate crocodile. A collared lioness has bitten the croc near its front limb and is trying to pull it from the mud.
Judging by the expressions of all the juvenile lions, it is possibly the first time they’ve had such an up-close encounter with a Nile crocodile. Indeed, even the adults appear somewhat perplexed about how to deal with their heavily armoured prize.
For its part, the crocodile also seems to be shocked at the turn of events. As the lioness attempts to roll it over, the croc lunges weakly with gaping jaws. However, it has no idea how to deal with the situation.
Normally, when crocodiles feel threatened, they emit a loud hissing sound. That this doesn’t happen suggests that it may be in shock.
Crocodile hide is incredibly tough, particularly on their back. Made up of numerous individual scales called scutes that protect them from water loss, predation and injury while hunting. They also help with temperature regulation, vital for reptiles.
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However, on the underside, the scutes are smaller and softer.
So, when the lioness manages to roll the croc onto its back, its fate is all but sealed. With no obvious resistance from the croc, the lions can bite into the softer underbelly.
Even when one of the youngsters paws the crocodile’s snout there is no reaction. This suggests that it is either deeply in shock or dead.
Moments later, the video cuts to one of the lions feeding from the side of the crocodile. It does appear to be quite a sizeable animal, so it should sustain the pride for a few days.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, at least one of the lions is collared. Researchers fitted these satellite tracking devices to assist lion conservation in the park.
By tracking the lions’ movements, researchers monitor them and protect them from human-induced threats. These threats include poaching and direct conflict with humans who live near the park.
Conservationists have also fitted other species with tracking collars, including elephants, buffaloes, African wild dogs, hyenas and eland.
Together with data collected in annual aerial surveys, the collars assist with park management. They give conservationists a better understanding of the conservation needs of the park.
This is especially useful in measuring the progress of ecosystem restoration projects and improving protection measures.
Additionally, the park has several lion monitoring teams whose job it is to remove snares, deter poachers and record pride dynamics.
Now managed in conjunction with non-profit organisations, Kafue–and its lion population–are in good hands.