Location: Kalamu Lagoon Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia

Observer: Petros Guwa

The photographs here depict a buffalo that has a rare condition called leucism. This condition is a caused by an absence of pigment cells. (This condition should not be confused with albinism which is a complete lack of melanin).

There is also an adult cow with extensive white patches on her in the area.

We had just finished enjoying brunch when we noticed a lone buffalo bull limping to the pan in front of Little Makalolo Camp. The old male was past the prime of his life and we quietly mentioned amongst ourselves that he would probably soon be taken by lions. Such is the circle of life here in Hwange. Little did we know of what was to happen…

The buffalo stayed around at the front pan in the shade for the remainder of the afternoon and as evening descended, the predators emerged. Just after dusk, guide Charles and his guests were on their way back into camp and came across a leopard. They were so enjoying this sighting that they almost missed what was about to take place. A clan of about seven spotted hyaena had pushed the buffalo towards the waterhole where he eventually took what little refuge he could by standing in the centre of the pan. This however did not deter the hyaena as they eventually followed into the water. Spotted hyaena are far from being mere scavengers; as a clan they are formidable hunters too.

One of the hyaena made a swift move and latched onto the buffalo’s tail, which in the strong jaws of a hyaena was ripped off like a piece of chewed liquorice. The hyaena clan was in a deep state of salivation and cackling in anticipation. The buffalo, surrounded and unable to flee, could not do anything and just had to try standing his ground in increasing futility. With all the chaos, some of the hyaena moved slightly to one side, giving the buffalo a chance to escape and headed straight for Little Makalolo Camp – stopping about five metres from the main dining area.

We waited, holding our breath, wondering what would happen next. The usual dinner under the stars was cancelled for obvious reasons! During the course of dinner the buffalo did not move much and neither did the patient hyaena. Not even 15 minutes after the camp lights were out the hyaena launched their second and fatal attack. Kim and Charles witnessed the whole event but more by sound than by sight. The buffalo tried to escape but it collapsed in a heap due to exhaustion and blood loss and at this moment the hyaena started to feed.

Walking to the main area in the morning, by the light of day, we got a detailed look at the buffalo carcass with one hyaena still in attendance. The carcass was dragged further away from camp, and we watched as other scavengers, such as jackals and vultures, arrived to finish off the carcass over the next couple of days.

Location: Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Date: April 2010
Observer & Photographer: Doctor Malinga

The Moporota Pride, currently consisting of eight sub-adult lions, was seen taking down two buffalo for the first time in January 2010 (read more here) in an epic battle that lasted for hours – only to lose their hard-fought kill in the end. They also sadly lost two of their own pride members in one of the confrontations, a young male and a female, both killed by the dominant male coalition known as the Western Boys.

In another recent sighting, guides Doctor and Moss came across the six remaining members of the Moporota Breakaway Pride as they ambushed one of the breeding herds of buffalo found in the Mombo Concession. This all happened not very far from the staff village at the back of Mombo Camp.

Picking out a female with a young calf, the lions attacked. The female buffalo defended her baby relentlessly, putting her own life in danger, to save that of her offspring.  Finally, the rest of the herd returned, trying to help the mother and baby.  Sadly, the buffalo herd could not defend the calf who succumbed, although the mother managed to escape.

Moments like these are sometimes hard for us to watch as the dramatic event unfolds in front of your eyes. Even though it is nature and the natural order of things out here in the African bush, it can still be quite emotional. The lions however, had a good meal, leaving nothing but a few scattered bones for the scavenging spotted hyaena.