A longstanding rivalry exists between two of Africa’s apex predators. In this video, a clan of hyenas tries to force a pair of lions from their kill.
The footage, which was submitted to Latest Sightings, was filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Dinner in a ditch
As we join the action in the video, it is initially a little tricky to determine what we’re looking at. On closer inspection, we see a pair of lionesses hidden in the shade to the bottom left.
Branches obscure a spotted hyena to the right of the frame. Judging by the hyena’s cackling, it is trying to intimidate the lions.
Threatening gestures
Unsurprisingly, the lions do not approve of the hyena’s efforts. In turn, they snarl and briefly lunge towards the hyena, causing it to retreat.
While lions are much bigger than hyenas, the scavengers have evolved ways to level the playing field. However, success is never guaranteed.
Persistence in the face of fury
When attempting to drive lions off their kill, persistence is a key attribute. Accordingly, when the lions resume feeding, the hyena stalks closer.
As it does, we notice that it sounds like there is more than one hyena present. It would appear that the first hyena’s vocalisations have attracted other members of the clan.
Time is of the essence
As a result, as the cats continue feeding, a second hyena joins its clanmate. Wisely, they keep their distance, although their calling increases in intensity.
The hyenas realise that time is of the essence. The longer the lions feed, the less remains for the scavengers.
Additional reinforcements
Subsequently, a third hyena arrives. The trio stands shoulder-to-shoulder, putting up a united front as they now outnumber the lions.
Meanwhile, the lions feed with even more urgency. It could be that they sense that the odds in their favour are starting to diminish.
Testing the waters
Whether sensing weakness on the lion’s part or just testing their luck, the hyenas tiptoe forward. However, more warning snarls from the lionesses quickly give them pause for thought.
Subsequently, the three hyenas retreat once again. While they may be hungry, they’re smart enough to realise the remains aren’t worth dying over.
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Strategic considerations
When challenging lions, the hyenas know that they need to consider all the factors for and against them. And it is probably the confined space that deters them from really pushing forward.
At such close quarters, there are probably few viable escape routes should the lions decide to go on the offensive. In more open terrain, the scavengers would have had greater flexibility in how they approached their dilemma.
Reluctant surrender
Unable to dislodge the lions from their kill, the hyenas’ vocalisations change from whooping to whimpering. It is clear that they are losing hope of winning this battle.
As the stalemate continues, the filmmaker is pressed to leave the sighting. As such, we don’t know the outcome. However, given the lions’ stubborn refusal to give an inch, it’s probably safe to assume the hyenas went hungry.