Lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs are all social predators that use teamwork to survive. In this article, we look at a dispute between the latter two species.
Sheri Louw shared her footage with Latest Sightings. She filmed the interaction on the S90, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
A flurry of activity
Sheri’s video begins with a flurry of activity. We see several African wild dogs chasing another creature into a thicket.
As they do, we hear their distinctive, high-pitched, twittering calls. Then, intermingled in the cacophony of sound, we hear the equally recognisable vocalisations of the object of their agitation.
Social predators
Subsequently, the pursued animal turns to face its tormentors. It is a spotted hyena, and it uses the bush to protect its vulnerable rear.
Both species are highly social predators. But, while the dogs subsist mainly on prey they kill for themselves, hyenas supplement their diets by scavenging.
Mob tactics
Subsequently, a second hyena emerges from the bush, staying close to the other one as the dogs surround them.
Although smaller than the hyenas, the dogs have a numerical advantage. Accordingly, they use mob tactics to harass the larger rivals.
Strangely distracted
Working as a team, some dogs distract the hyenas, while other members of the pack dash in to deliver bites to their exposed hindquarters.
Strangely, however, the hyenas seem more interested in other things. As each wave of nips subsides, they repeatedly lower their muzzles to the ground.
Consequently, the dogs repeatedly run in and bite the hyenas. Surely the larger animals can’t take this punishment indefinitely.
For them to put up with this relentless punishment, you’d think they must have a good reason. And, you would be right. Well, kind of.
Slim pickings
As the pack separates and chases one of the hyenas, the other one finally finds what it has been looking for. Lifting its head from the long grass, we see it holding the slim leg bone of an antelope.
Consequently, we can piece together what caused the conflict. Earlier, the dogs killed the antelope, after which the hyenas arrived with the intention of stealing it.
However, as we look at the stripped bone it is holding, you’ve got to question the hyena-math that justifies taking such a beating for such scant rewards.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Every bit counts
On seeing the hyena stealing the morsel, the dogs redouble their efforts to chase it off. By now, it seems the hyenas have realised that the risks involved are not worth the scant rewards.
Consequently, they flee the scene, with several dogs continuing to deliver sharp bites as they do. As the dust settles, the dogs return to the battlefield.
As the video draws to an end, the dogs search desperately for any remaining scraps. Not knowing when or where they will find their next meal, they’re determined to make every tidbit count.
Cooperative endurance hunters
Both wild dogs and hyenas are known as cooperative endurance predators. This means that they use teamwork and incredible stamina to run down their prey.
While hyenas are commonly seen, only an estimated 6,000 wild dogs still roam Africa’s wilderness areas.