Jan Kriel submitted this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the H3 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Roadblock
Competition amongst Africa’s apex predators is intense. Given the opportunity, each of the species will try to kill the other as they compete for territory and resources.
So, when Jan came upon a small clan of hyenas approaching an African wild dog “roadblock”, he started filming.
On the alert
Often, predators make use of roads for ease of travel and forward visibility. We imagine that the two species approached from opposite directions.
Consequently, when they spotted one another, both groups froze, their ears cocked as they went on the alert. At this point, both groups are basically just curious to see what happens next.
Do the maths!
However, as one of the hyenas turns to check its surroundings, we get the sense that it has done the maths. There are far more dogs than there are hyenas.
At this point, we should mention that in a one-on-one confrontation, a hyena would likely come out on top. They are heavier, more powerful and equipped with crushing jaw strength.
A little help from my friends
As one of the dogs sits down, we get the impression that it too has done its sums, feeling confident in the company of its pack mates.
Still, other members keep a wary eye on the stationary hyenas and look to their leader for cues.
Who will flinch first?
As the standoff continues, it seems neither the dogs nor the hyenas wants to make the next move.
A priority for both is to avoid injuries. For predators, even social creatures like these, injuries can have serious consequences.
Safety in numbers
Throughout the encounter, more and more dogs appeared over the crest in the road. Perhaps emboldened by their numerical superiority, the lead dogs flatten their ears, lower their heads, and take a few steps forward.
The leader turns her head and calls on the pack to advance…
With that, the pack breaks into a run, advancing on their foes in a unified bunch, eager to assert their dominance while it lasts.
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Let’s get out of here!
The hyenas’ reaction is immediate. Seeing the horde descending on them, they turn to flee.
As Jan’s video draws to its conclusion, the hyenas are in full flight, with the pack of wild dogs hot on their heels.
Despite their superior individual strength, the three hyenas weren’t about to take a chance against the united pack approaching them.
However, had their group numbers been equal, chances are it would have been them doing the chasing.
Interspecies competition
In the hierarchy of Africa’s apex predators, the undisputed crown belongs to lions. Powerful and social, they can overwhelm any of their competition.
In their typical groups, hyenas and wild dogs occupy second and third place. What they lack in brute strength, they make up for in intelligence and cohesive behaviour.
Next, come the solitary cats: leopards and finally cheetahs. The former could probably kill an individual hyena or dog, but wouldn’t fare as well against a group.
As for cheetahs, their light frame and generally solitary nature mean they frequently lose both territory, prey and their lives to all rivals.
And, in case you’re still wondering, none of them would stand a chance against a T-Rex.