Lions prey on Cape buffalo. However, it’s usually younger or weaker members that have been separated from the herd, not fully grown adults. When a herd of large adult buffalo comes upon a lion, who has the upper hand? A YouTube video from Compass Media reveals one lion’s struggle when around 50 buffalo mob the lone lion. The lion, looking a bit awkward, takes shelter in a nearby tree as the herd gathers underneath.
A lion takes shelter from aggressive buffalo in a tree that’s nearly too small to hold him
©Compass Media / YouTube – Original
A Buffalo Herd Unites Against One Lion
The description in the video states, “A lone lion was forced to seek shelter up a tree by a herd of 50 buffaloes before fighting them off one by one while standing behind a branch.” It was in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya, when a tourist on safari witnessed a group of buffalo interrupting a pair of mating lions.
In the video, we only see one lion as he takes shelter in a tree. His mate must have run off while he stood his ground. The small tree barely seemed large enough to hold the lion as he stood on a high branch.
This lion has no choice but to take shelter behind a branch and fight off the cape buffalo as they approach.
©Compass Media / YouTube
By the end of the video, the lion made his way down the tree. Using a large branch as a shield, he begins to fight off the herd. The video ends here, not giving us answers as to how, or if, the lion made it away safely.
Buffalo Herds Practice Mobbing Tactics
Lions may be apex predators while buffaloes are herbivores, but the two species are similar in one respect. They work well as a team within their group. In the way that lion prides strategically hunt together, buffalo herds will form mobs to intimidate animals that could pose a threat to the herd.
Cape buffalo are native to Africa and are a different species from the bison of North America. Cape buffalo can weigh up to 1,900 pounds and are able to run 35 miles per hour. Adult female lions typically weigh between 270 and 400 pounds, while adult males weigh between 330 and 570 pounds. Though lions have sharp teeth and claws, buffalo use their sharp, curving horns in defense against predators.
Calves are more vulnerable to lion attacks than fully grown Cape buffalo.
©Gunter Nuyts/Shutterstock.com
Buffaloes stick together in herds and will defend weaker and younger members of their group. When buffalo combine their strength, they prove to be a formidable force against lions. Lions must be wary of the buffalo’s dangerous horns, which can cause serious injury and even death.
When Do Lions Have the Upper Hand?
Lions may overpower buffalo when they work together as a pride and ambush their victims. Lions have the best chance against young or injured members that are separated from the herd. Even then, Cape buffalo may rally and fight off the attackers, causing severe or even fatal wounds for the lion.
