Not every lion hunt is successful, especially when they encounter animals with effective defense mechanisms.
The lion had to hastily retreat when it encountered this animal (Video: Wildlife Planet).
Lions are often referred to as the “lords of the savanna” and are typically seen as the apex predators, instilling fear in other animals. However, in reality, lions are not the strongest creatures on the plains. They can sometimes be outmatched by their prey, especially those with high defensive capabilities.
In a clip showing a lioness stalking a East African black antelope, it is evident that she gained the upper hand by sneaking up from behind and pouncing on her target.
What seemed like an easy meal for the lion turned out to be quite the challenge, as the black antelope proved to be a formidable opponent. It quickly showcased the effectiveness of its sharp, curved horns by directing them backward.
On the other side, the lion was attempting to overpower its prey by leaping onto its back, only to be met with the painful stab of the antelope’s horns. After a struggle, the lion, overwhelmed by pain, released its grip on the prey and jumped into a nearby waterhole to escape.
On the shore, the brave antelope did not flee but stood its ground, pointing its horns at the lion as if to remind it that it was always ready to make any challenger bleed.
After a struggle, the lion, overwhelmed by pain, released its grip on the prey.
The East African Black Antelope (Hippotragus niger) is a species belonging to the Bovidae family. They are widely distributed across the wooded savannas of southern Kenya, East Africa, and South Africa.
They are characterized by a robust, agile body and very long horns, resembling swords, which curve backward. Statistically, the horns of female antelopes can reach lengths of up to 102 cm, while males can grow up to 165 cm.
Thanks to this unique weapon bestowed by nature, this species of antelope can effectively defend itself against attacks from lions and leopards. In fact, there have been numerous reports of hunters losing their lives due to being impaled by the horns of the black antelope.
Despite their impressive defensive abilities, the population of black antelopes is still declining severely due to disease and habitat destruction.
