See These Lions Proudly Pounce on a Buffalo Before Backup Shows Up and Demolishes the Feline Frenzy

In this fascinating clip, it’s as if the lions knew that they were taking on a huge challenge. They turned up in numbers – around seven or eight adult lions. These lions are the Kambula pride –  hunting in the Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa. They aim to isolate one of the buffaloes from a large herd so that they can wrestle it to the floor and then kill it.

Watch the Amazing Scene Below

Their yellow-brown coats provide a perfect camouflage against the long, dry grass and it is practically impossible to see them coming. At first, things go well and they manage to get a buffalo bull on his own. Even though there are several lions surrounding him, only a couple of them are brave enough to leap on top of him. Unfortunately, they are not quick enough to secure the kill. The rest of his herd hear his frantic cries for help and return to help out.

A remarkable thing about this clip is how quickly the lions back off once the rest of the herd arrives. Lions learn from experience and know that it is much too risky to take on an entire herd of buffalo. By the end of the clip, the tables are turned and the buffalo is chasing the lions. Some of them are hiding in the grass so that the herbivores cannot find them!

Are Buffaloes Scared of Lions?

Buffaloes are wary of lions and acknowledge them as predators. That does not mean that they are scared of them. A herd of buffaloes will happily take on a pride of lions and probably win. Even though buffaloes are herbivores they are equipped with some formidable defenses. They are large and powerful animals that can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. If a buffalo tramples on a lion it can cause a lot of damage.

Buffaloes also have very sharp horns and have a technique of tossing predators in the air when they feel threatened. Lions have been seriously injured or even killed by buffalo horns. The final defense strategy is their attitude. They are brave and are willing to stick up for each other.

For all of these reasons, it is a huge challenge for a lion to catch a buffalo. The best strategy is for them to isolate one weaker individual and kill them before the rest of the herd gets to know about it. Buffalo calves are also popular targets because they can be caught and killed more easily and carried away to an area where they can be eaten without disturbance!