A lion launched itself at a crocodile with its paws to defend a buffalo carcass from a crocodile before having to share the meal.

Marine biologist Raquel Bracao was on a safari in Sabi Sands, South Africa, when she spotted a male lion feasting on a large meal on the banks of a river.

Dramatic footage captured the moment a crocodile decided it wanted part of the feast and crawled over towards the lion with its jaws snapping.

After an attempt to bat the crocodile away with its paw, the lion is chased to the other side of the buffalo’s body by the sheer power of its rival’s teeth.

Raquel said: “The previous afternoon a young female and male lion brought down a buffalo after about an hour.

“On that night there was a huge storm and heavy rains, and early morning the river started to flow again, and as waters were rising the lioness left the buffalo carcass and a huge crocodile took advantage of the moment.

“The male lion was trying to take the carcass out of the river when the crocodile made his move.

“The fight went for 30 minute and the commotion attracted the dominant male lions coalition of the area.

“When they arrived on the river bank, the male lion and lioness left the carcass and the area, and the crocodile enjoyed his meal.”