Coalitions of Kruger National Park

[Fredymrt]

Battle at Kruger: Lions vs Buffalo
Credits to:marlon du toit wild-eye,kruger_park,photo safari

Few animals have captured my attention in the way that male lions have.

Many people across the world feel similar, but I do believe that the more time spent in their company, the more special that bond & connection. I have spent many, many hours in the company of the King of Beasts and believe me when I say, that bond is tight!

Lebombo coalition

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They were not wasting anytime and were clearly set in a direction. They would stop every so often to scent-mark some of the shrubs they were passing by. This is territorial behaviour and ensures any other rogue males passing through will know that this territory is well occupied.

As individuals these two were already very intimidating in appearance, but when seen walking together they made for a fearsome sight. They were part of a coalition of 4 male lions, but were had no idea of the other two’s whereabouts. We did not mind too much as these two males were more than enough for us.Then, all of a sudden the males stopped dead in their tracks and stared deep into the Lebombo Mountains to the east of us. We too thought we had heard the sound of buffalo, and were sure that this was what the male lions picked up on.
They were incredible focused and just kept looking east.
These lions were very keen on something up ahead, and we were soon to find out exactly what they had heard.

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In an incredibly powerful and tactful move, the male jumped up onto the side of the buffalo. He used his powerful front paws to pull, and used his back legs to kick the hind legs out from underneath the buffalo. Assisted by his brother, the buffalo immediately went back down to the ground.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

He too was unassisted by his brother. It was not needed. The strength of a single male lion was clearly obvious. I remember watching these last moments, absolutely jaw-dropped!

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The big black-maned male lion quickly moved onto the throat of the buffalo, and ended the struggle within minutes.

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*This image is copyright of its original author

To some, it’s never easy to accept what happens in nature. Yes, death is never a nice facet of life. It’s permanent, it’s final.

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For these two animals – lion & buffalo – it’s a daily event. It’s something they are constantly aware of. The one tries as best to avoid it whilst the other is constantly on the lookout for opportunity to deliver the final blow. Not for hatred, vengeance or sport, but for survival, for food.Sometimes lions pay the ultimate price, injured beyond repair by the horn of an angry heavy buffalo.

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Not today though. Today, we played witness to the incredible talent that a male lion was blessed with. That of power, strength and a heart filled with fire.

have a look at the video below

http://www.wild-eye.co.za/battle-kruger-...s-buffalo/ Reply