Competition among predators in Africa is intense. In this video, one of Africa’s most efficient killers must flee to escape its largest.
This video was submitted to Latest Sightings by Mike Botes and Gabe Harmer. They filmed the action at MalaMala, within South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Watch the video here:
Lazy lions
The video starts peacefully. We see three lions doing what lions spend most of their lives doing: sleeping.
With males weighing up to 250 kilograms, lions are by far the largest and most powerful predators in Africa. They mostly hunt at night, spending much of the day conserving their energy.
Dogs on the move
Subsequently, the camera pans away from the lions. Then, we see a pack of African wild dogs trotting up the road to where the lions lie hidden in the long grass.
Also known as painted wolves, these medium-sized, highly endangered predators are extremely social. Only 6,000 are thought to roam wild across the continent.
Rising tension
Considering their scarcity, we watch with bated breath as the dogs get ever closer to the lions. As the species compete for the same resources, the rivalry between them is intense.
Since they hold a distinct size advantage, lions are notorious for their aggression towards other predators. Given the chance, they will readily kill their competition.
Strong leadership
Meanwhile, the dogs get closer still. Up front, the lead dog stops occasionally to scan ahead.
As it does, the rest of the pack pauses, awaiting the command to proceed. Little does the lead dog realise how important this stop-start pattern of movement will be in just a few moments.
Something’s wrong
Subsequently, as the leader scans the path ahead, it senses that something is amiss. Presumably, it has picked up the familiar, and disturbing, scent of the lions.
Consequently, with a gruff bark, it spins around and runs towards its confused pack. However, they know better than to question her instincts.
The lions wake
The dog’s bark wakes the lions. As one, they lift their mighty heads and turn to look for the source of their disturbance.
It’s not clear whether they can see the dogs. But being the curious cats they are, they’re bound to investigate.
A different perspective
Meanwhile, the video cuts to a different perspective. Taken from another vehicle, we now see the dogs from the other side.
They are all on high alert, waiting to see whether anything will come of their worrying discovery. Although they outnumber the lions, they are no match for their superior size and strength.
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They don’t have to wait long. Suddenly, panic ripples through the pack, and they turn and run towards the camera.
Seconds later, all three lions come running around the bend in the road. Their intention is clear, they’ve decided to go for the dogs.
Thankfully for the dogs, their earlier caution means they have a considerable head start.
Additionally, while the lions may be faster over short distances, the dogs have sufficient speed and superior stamina.
A lost cause
As the dogs flee, the lions soon realise their pursuit is a lost cause.
However, they have given the dogs a clear message that they are not welcome in this neighbourhood. As for the dogs, they get to live another day, secure in the knowledge that teamwork makes the dream work.