The clash between crocodiles and five lions took place at Buffelshoek campsite, inside the Sabi Sands reserve in Kruger National Park.
Specifically, after defeating the male waterbuck, the Talamati lions enjoyed their meal together and left the carcass about 100 meters away from the dam.
A few hours later, an alligator sniffed the carcass of an antelope. It decided to leave the water to scout and get itself a meal. Upon reaching the shore, the crocodile was immediately surrounded by 5 lions.
At first, the lions seem to be playing with the crocodile to test the reflexes and speed of the opponent. Not long after, the crocodile opened its mouth to bite at the lions. However, the lions quickly countered by attacking with all their might. Realizing that there was no chance of winning, the crocodile turned and ran towards the lake.
Like other feline species, lions are superb predators and key predators thanks to their abundant prey populations.
The lion’s hunt usually doesn’t take long and is very powerful. When hunting alone, they kill their prey by biting the neck to break the neck or damage the circulatory system. When hunting in groups, lions can grip large prey while others bite the neck or suffocate prey by locking the victim’s muzzle, preventing it from breathing.
However, in the herd, the female lion (Panthera leo) is usually in charge of hunting and the male lion is responsible for protecting the whole herd from danger or destroying competitors. Each flock will have 2 to 3 adult males living with the females. They are usually brothers, or have just joined the pack.