This Lechwe’s Incredible Escape from a Crocodile Will Stun You

The animal kingdom can be wild and unpredictable. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, or, in the case of this YouTube video, a crocodile-eat-buck world. Caitlyn Earwaker and her family were on vacation in Botswana when they witnessed an intense scene: a crocodile speeding through the water to catch a lechwe. This incredible water race ended in victory for the buck, but it was a close call between predator and prey. Let’s take a closer look at the behavior between these species and why this buck’s escape was so extraordinary.

The Lechwe’s Secret Weapon

Botswana is known for its diverse wildlife. It’s well-known for safaris, which are the best way to see all the animals that call this lush land their home. Lechwe are one of these animals, and typically gather near waterways. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic plants and grass, which is why they’re often found in wetlands. They resemble deer but are better adapted to living in wetlands and marshy environments. The lechwe in Earwaker’s video is wading in deep water, but most lechwe are typically found in chest- or knee-deep water. However, that’s not to say they aren’t exceptional swimmers.

The water serves two purposes for lechwe: as a food source and a means of defense. Wild rice and swamp grass are crucial parts of their diet, but foraging leaves the species open to predation. Making a quick escape into deeper water within seconds is essential to the lechwe’s survival. A natural oil coats their legs, creating a waterproof barrier that prevents lechwe from becoming waterlogged. This allows water to bead off their long limbs, helping them stay afloat and swim for extended periods.

Need For Speed

The astounding speed of this lechwe is real and not digitally altered. They can run at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest species in Botswana. Their speed is barely reduced by water, and they are excellent swimmers. This speed enables them to outrun predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles, as seen in this video. Nile crocodiles are especially vicious toward lechwe, as they both inhabit the same marshlands.

The incredible burst of speed from this lechwe is due to its remarkably lean limbs. With little water resistance, the lechwe can increase its speed as soon as it hits shallow water. When outrunning a massive crocodile like this, the lechwe’s incredible athleticism and a bit of luck contributed to its successful escape. Standing at roughly 41 inches tall, the lechwe’s height contributes to its remarkable grace. Each leap helps it cover more distance, whether on land or in water. These long leaps also demonstrate the strength of their hind legs, which likely helped this lechwe survive the near-attack. Their symmetrical bodies help them swim efficiently, preventing them from being unbalanced in the water. As the lechwe reaches solid ground, its hooves help it grip the soft marshland. These flat hooves give the lechwe a unique advantage over most other deer species.

Nile Crocodile Out For Blood

Nile Crocodiles prey on many vulnerable animals that frequent watering holes in Botswana. The lechwe would typically be an easy target if not for its speed and quick instincts. What makes this YouTube video so unusual is the behavior of the crocodile during its pursuit. Going after the lechwe is a natural predatory instinct, but actively chasing one is not. Crocodiles aren’t known for their high-speed pursuits of prey, especially in a situation like this, where the lechwe has the advantage. This crocodile may have seen an opportunity as the lechwe was crossing or foraging. Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters, lying in wait for animals to stop at watering holes before surprising them. From the video, it appears the lechwe was already being pursued by the crocodile when Earwaker began filming. This demonstrates the tremendous endurance of both animals, especially the crocodile, whose body mass is four times that of the lechwe.

Crocodiles are typically ambush predators. They prefer to sneak up on prey and use the element of surprise. In this case, the crocodile did surprise the lechwe, but not with enough stealth to slow it down. The crocodile attempts to snap at the lechwe several times to no avail, as the lechwe dodges its advances. Nile crocodiles, in particular, can grow to massive sizes. They can measure up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 1,100 pounds, yet this does not hinder their performance in deep water. The sheer power and muscle of this crocodile propel it through the water, making this a close race for survival.