Safari Guide Mark Winckler from Classic Zambia Witnesses a Showdown Between Lions and Wild Dogs in the Open Fields.
As the sun was about to rise, Mark and the tourists spotted a pack of wild dogs appearing on the opposite side and making their way toward them. Mark repositioned himself at the edge of the field for a better shot. At that moment, the pack formed a line as if they were chasing something. They spotted a few impala antelopes, and the chase began, but the antelopes quickly darted into the bushes. The wild dogs realized that their chance of catching an antelope was slim and started to lose interest, according to Latest Sightings on September 18.
However, Mark noticed a herd of Cape buffalo about 100 meters away. The wild dogs also detected a new target and rushed toward them. They cleverly targeted one buffalo and attempted to isolate it from the herd. They then worked together to bring the buffalo down. “The buffalo wasn’t sick but was quite weak due to the recent drought. The pack took it down for the first time, and it couldn’t get back up. They surrounded the buffalo and began to tear into it from all angles,” Mark recounted.
Wild dogs helplessly watch as lions steal their prey. (Photo: Latest Sightings).
The Cape buffalo has very thick hide. Even with a large pack of wild dogs, it is extremely difficult for them to tear through that hide. Some of the dogs became frustrated and continued to chase the herd of buffalo. But when they noticed that the buffalo remained motionless on the ground, they returned, targeting any soft and vulnerable spots.
Suddenly, a male lion rushed in. The caught-off-guard wild dogs had to scatter. Despite their large numbers, facing a lion is still too great a risk for them. The buffalo, still alive, could only lie still as a lioness lunged at its neck. Other lionesses and cubs emerged from the bushes to share the meal. Ultimately, the pride of lions took over the buffalo, forcing the wild dogs to retreat.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), African wild dogs are among the most endangered mammals in the world, with only about 1,400 individuals left in the wild. The largest populations are found in Southern Africa and East Africa. This pack-hunting predator specializes in hunting antelopes and can reach speeds of over 70 km/h.
