Watch A Mighty Buffalo Fearlessly Expel Komodo Dragons Trying To Attack Its Baby

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Written by Colby Maxwell

Updated: November 9, 2023

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Komodo dragon hunting
© Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

If you think being a mom is hard, imagine having to fend off a pack of hungry Komodo dragons every time you take your baby for a swim! That’s exactly what this incredible mama-buffalo had to do in a viral video that shows the incredible maternal instincts of these animals, plus how tough of a job it is to be a mom in the wild.

The video, which was filmed by the AVH Chanel on Komodo Island and Rinca Island, captures the tense standoff between the buffalo and the reptiles, who are known for their devastating bite and predatory habits.

The Komodo dragons are lurking around a watering hole, waiting for an opportunity to snatch a baby water buffalo calf that is swimming with its mother.

The mother buffalo is not oblivious to the danger, however. She keeps a watchful eye on the predators and charges at them whenever they get too close. Like a bunch of bugs scurrying away, the reptiles scatter, but only for a time. The Komodo dragons are persistent. They keep coming back for another try, hoping to catch the mother off guard.

Komodo Dragon Charging

Komodo dragons are

extremely dangerous

and can kill prey much larger than them.

©iStock.com/kiwisoul

Despite their attempts at getting a beefy snack, the determined mother keeps at it! The video ends without showing the final outcome of the confrontation, but we can only hope that the mother and baby managed to escape unharmed. It does the harsh reality of life in the wild, where every day is a struggle for survival, especially for moms — being a mother may just be the hardest job on earth!

Komodo Dragons And Their Prey

Komodo dragons are the largest and heaviest lizards in the world, and they have a fearsome reputation as predators (as our mama in the video below surely knows).

They can hunt and eat animals that are significantly larger than they are, including deer, pigs, cattle, and even water buffaloes. What allows them to take down such large prey is their venom, something which was long believed to have been bacteria-based but has recently been further studied.

Dumbest Animals in the World: Komodo Dragon

The deadly venom in the mouths of Komodo dragons can stop blood clotting and causes a decrease in blood pressure, weakening the prey.

©Yudi S/Shutterstock.com

Komodo dragons are not picky eaters: they will consume almost any kind of meat, including bones, hooves, and intestines. Thankfully, most people don’t have to worry about these lizards since Komodo dragons live on a few islands in Indonesia. Where they do live, however, they are the top predators and have no natural enemies.

How Large Do Water Buffalo Get?

Water Buffalo weight can range from a mere 1,500 pounds to a substantial 2,645 pounds. On average, they measure around 8 to 10 feet from head to tail, with the tail itself having the potential to extend up to three feet in length.

buffalo

The largest breed of water buffalo is the Murrah breed.

©Peter Betts/Shutterstock.com

The Murrah breed holds the distinction of being the largest water buffalo globally, with males weighing up to 3,300 pounds and females up to 2,400 pounds.

Nevertheless, the dimensions of a water buffalo are subject to differences based on factors such as its breed, genetic makeup, and dietary intake.

Is It Normal For Water Buffalo To Defend Their Young?

Water buffaloes, known for their formidable size and strength, exhibit remarkable maternal instincts when it comes to protecting their young. A video capturing a brave water buffalo defending its calf against a relentless Komodo dragon attack recently went viral, showcasing the extraordinary defensive behavior of these animals.

Water buffalo with calf gazing in the paddy field in Manipur, India

Protecting their newborn babies is an important job for a water buffalo mama.

©Worchi Zingkhai/Shutterstock.com

Under normal circumstances, it is indeed common for water buffaloes to prioritize the safety of their offspring. When faced with potential threats or predators, such as wild dogs or crocodiles, these protective parents display unwavering courage and determination. Utilizing their massive bulk as an advantage, they confront aggressors head-on in order to shield their vulnerable young ones from harm.

The defense mechanisms employed by water buffaloes are multifaceted. First and foremost is the sheer physical presence they possess! Weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) acts as both a deterrent and an effective tool for repelling attackers. Additionally, these bovines employ swift movements combined with sharp horns that can inflict serious injuries upon adversaries if necessary.

Through this instinctual defense strategy rooted in millennia of evolution, water buffaloes have developed an impressive ability to safeguard their progeny from harm’s way. Their unwavering dedication to protecting their young serves as yet another testament to the innate intelligence and admirable nature displayed by these majestic creatures amidst the natural world’s constant challenges.


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About the Author

Colby is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering outdoors, unique animal stories, and science news. Colby has been writing about science news and animals for five years and holds a bachelor's degree from SEU. A resident of NYC, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone about what birds he saw at his local birdfeeder.

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