As the largest predator in Africa, male lions have little to fear. Male lions earn respect for their ferocious attitude toward other predators.
Well, at least that holds true most of the time, as this video, apparently filmed somewhere in East Africa, illustrates
Chaos on the plains
We are met with a chaotic scene as the video begins. Surrounded by dozens of spotted hyenas, a male lion stands over the remains of a kill.
Although no one knows whether the lion killed the prey or stole it from another predator, he seems determined not to give it up.
Agitated by the scent of flesh and the lion’s obstinate refusal to surrender the remains, the hyenas cackle maniacally.
Scant remains
As the hyena clan momentarily splits, we see that the lion is guarding only the scant remnants of the carcass. Nonetheless, he snarls threateningly at the baying hyenas.
What hyenas lack in strength relative to a lion, they make up for in their ability to collectively mob their adversaries.
Even a male lion is bound to feel his nerves fray with this behaviour.
Had enough
Consequently, the lion takes one last, brief look at the remains at its feet and makes a decision. He has had enough, both in having eaten his fill and in the amount of abuse he is prepared to put up with.
Masters of reading the situation, the hyenas are quick to take the initiative. No sooner does the lion turn its head to leave than the hyenas move in.
Family food feud
Having waited a long time, the hyenas have seen the carcass reduced to skin and bones. As such, they realise that there won’t be enough to go around.
Despite being social creatures, when it comes to food, it is very much a case of first-come, first-served. From that moment, the scene descends into pandemonium.
No morsel too small
In seconds, the hyenas’ snapping jaws scramble for any morsel they can secure. Some carry off sizable chunks, while others bicker over nothing more than bones and shreds of skin.
Although spotted hyenas can hunt successfully, they truly excel as scavengers. Equipped with incredibly powerful jaws and equally potent digestive juices, they are the lead actor in Nature’s clean-up crew.
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Remains identified
It is only when one of the hyenas makes off with a piece of hide that we can determine what the prey was. The distinctive black and white stripes reveal that a predator killed a zebra.
After wildebeest, zebras are one of the most prolific large prey species on the plains of East Africa.
Nothing left for others
As the hyenas dominate proceedings, we see a lone jackal in the background. In this instance, it will likely come away empty-handed.
Even the typically present vultures haven’t bothered with this free-for-all.
Every bit counts
Even so, the competition amongst the hyenas is fierce, as depicted when three of them engage in a tug-of-war over another piece of zebra hide.
It will probably yield negligible nutrition, but when you’re not sure where your next meal is coming from, every bit counts.