Relentless Enemies: Lions and Buffalo
Of all their long experience, National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert consider their two years with the lions of Duba the most exciting, important research they have done. The internationally acclaimed naturalists and cinematographers produced Relentless Enemies: Lions and Buffalo, a companion volume to their National Geographic film, providing an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the world’s most awe-inspiring hunters, the lethal and beautiful lions of Duba.
The rich surroundings and unique environment of the Okavango River Delta have morphed these lions into huge, thick-necked beasts. Far more aggressive and dangerous than their cousins on the Serengeti, they defy what we thought we knew about big cats. They are larger, more fearsome and more innovative than your typical lion, and of necessity they have learned to hunt places big cats normally avoid.
Trapped on an island only five years old with these giant killers are thousands of cape buffalo, forced to develop their own strategies for survival.
The book is illustrated with 100 amazing photographs of the lions in Botswana’s Duba Plains and their long, lethal relationship with the region’s buffalo. “The back-and-forth interplay between two of Africa’s giants is eternal, harsh, and at the same time quite beautiful and essential,” writes Dereck Joubert, who provided the text for the book. Beverly contributed the 100 vivid, gripping images.
A great read for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. Truth be told, if I could have my “dream job,” this would be it.
Doug
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Wow! I would hate to come face to face with this buffalo!! He looks pissed!!
The lion's eyes look so peaceful, it is hard to imagine he is a killer capable of taking down the buffalo.
I can see why you might want to do this for a living, but without any comforts of home, it wouldn't be for me.
The eyes are amazing!!! He is like looking into your soul!!!
Yeah, right before he bites your head off lol!
The reviewers of the book seem to imply that both the lions and buffalo have evolved as have the indigenous species in Galapagos Islands. That would be highly unlikely in only five years. They have more accurately "adapted" to the new challenge of isolation.
Just a fine point. The photo and film documentaries sound exciting and educational. I have already ordered the book and, if it is available on DVD, will be ordering the film as well.
If you decide to follow your dream, let me know. I would love the adventure.
Amazon.com has the book for $29.20 and the DVD for $16.99. I'm going to check and see if I can rent the DVD before ordering it. There is a place on my coffee table waiting for the book!
It says it will air in May but I don't find it in the listings. Anyone have the date?
Watch the video preview! It shows the lions stalking in the water! Awesome!
That is an old date for 2006. You would have to check with NGS to find out if/when it will air again. Meanwhile, just buy the DVD. 17 bucks and you can watch it whenever.
Cape buffalo are by far the coolest animal I have ever seen in real life. Cape Buffalo are the meanest of the big five in Africa ( lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino ) There is a wild animal safari in Santa Rosa you have to go check out.... http://www.safariwest.com/
Thanks Jamie! Dawn and I did the one in San Diego (rode the truck, fed the critters, etc), but this is right in our neighborhood! I'll definitely check it out!
Doug
It may look like a great life out there for two years, but the heat, bugs and wild animals with no facilities and only limited changes of clothes, not to mention the limited variety of food, could get old quicker than you think. But some people love it in spite of all that. You may be one of them.
Great photos. I will look for the book at the bookstore and thumb through it before ordering. It sounds wonderful!
Oh those eyes! He seems so big and sweet, I want to pet him!
Everyone to their own, Jan, but the buffalo doesn't look so sweet to me! However, he does have striking eyes.
Wonderful pictures!!
Have a nice weekend!!