Lions have a diverse diet, reflecting their adaptability and opportunistic nature. African buffalo are a prominent and frequently targeted species, playing a significant role in sustaining lion prides.
Lions and Buffalo as Prey
African buffalo, particularly the Cape buffalo subspecies, represent a substantial and rewarding prey animal for lions. Adult male buffalo are formidable, weighing 500-907 kg (1,100-2,000 pounds) and standing up to 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) tall. Their immense size and strength, coupled with thick hides and sharp, curved horns, which can span up to 1.2 meters (4 feet), make them a challenging adversary. Buffalo can use their horns to defend themselves.
Despite the dangers, buffalo provide a large meat yield, offering ample sustenance for a pride. This high nutritional value, rich in energy and protein, is especially beneficial for lionesses raising cubs. Lions prefer prey weighing 190-550 kg (420-1,210 pounds), with an ideal target around 350 kg (770 pounds), a range adult buffalo fit into. These interactions primarily occur in grasslands, savannas, and shrublands where both species coexist.
Hunting Large Prey
To successfully take down such powerful animals, lions employ sophisticated cooperative hunting strategies. As social animals, they live in prides, working together to overcome prey much larger than an individual could manage. Female lions, or lionesses, typically serve as the primary hunters within the pride, coordinating efforts to stalk and ambush their targets. Male lions, though less frequent hunters, assist with larger prey during the final takedown.
Hunting tactics involve strategic positioning and teamwork. Lions may form a horseshoe to encircle a herd, driving individuals towards waiting pride members. They often target the weakest, oldest, youngest, or isolated members. Once a buffalo is brought down, lions may suffocate it by biting its snout, or attempt to break its neck or crush its windpipe. This collective effort significantly increases their hunting success rate to around 30%, compared to less than 20% for solitary hunters.
Dietary Diversity
While buffalo are a valued part of a lion’s diet, lions consume a wide variety of other animals. Their diet primarily consists of medium to large ungulates. Common prey include wildebeest, zebras, and various antelope species like gemsbok, kudu, impala, and waterbuck. Smaller prey like warthogs are also frequently hunted.
Lions are opportunistic feeders, adapting their diet based on prey availability, habitat, and seasons. Furthermore, when larger prey is scarce, they may hunt smaller mammals like hares or birds, or even young elephants or giraffe calves. Lions are also known to scavenge, consuming carrion or stealing kills from other predators like hyenas. This dietary flexibility ensures their survival across diverse African landscapes.