As Africa’s largest land predators, one would think that lions rule the plains. However, they are frequently harassed by hyenas desperate for a free meal.
Steyn Jacobsohn sent this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it from South Post Game Lodge, on the border of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the drama here:
Ancient enemies
Filmed from across the Crocodile River, the camera zooms in on a small group of lions perched on a rock. Opposite them, a large clan of spotted hyenas gathers, emitting their distinctive “laugh”.
Although smaller than lions, spotted hyenas are their main competition. While lions have the strength, hyenas rely on mob tactics in their efforts to intimidate the big cats.
Emboldened
While one of the lionesses remains on the boulder, three others move away. Emboldened by this, the hyenas advance.
The hyenas edge towards a shallow gully between the species. Their behaviour tells us there is a carcass there, presumably killed by the lions.
Male leads the charge
However, when one of the lions, a young male, sees his meal at risk of being stolen, he turns. Male lions are much more aggressive than females, especially towards hyenas.
As the hyenas look up, they see the enraged cat storming towards. Even though they outnumber him, they’re not willing to risk injury or death over a meal.
Seeing the male rush in, the three lionesses join the charge. In seconds, the hyenas scatter in all directions.
As the hyenas flee, the lions press home their advantage. Although they come close, they aren’t able to catch any of the hyenas.
The mob turns
Subsequently, the lions give up the chase. As soon as they do, the hyenas turn to resume their mob aggression.
Meanwhile, other clan members have outflanked the lions and are closing in on the carcass.
Once again, the lions rush in, determined to protect their prize. These see-saw battles between the species can go on for hours.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Staking their claim
With the hyenas driven off once more, the lions stay close to the kill. For now, they’re determined not to let the hyenas get the advantage.
Then, to reinforce this message, some of the lions urinate on the ground surrounding the kill. They’re signalling that this is their territory.
Regrouping
With the lions now gathered close to the kill, the hyenas regroup nearby. Will they give up or mount another challenge?
At this point, the contest could go either way. The result invariably comes down to each species weighing up the benefits of continuing the conflict.
As the tension eases, two of the lions move away from the kill. Their bellies are full, so perhaps they’ve decided they’ve had enough of the hyenas’ taunts.
However, the other two lions seem determined to deny the hyenas the chance to claim the remains. But with so many hyenas waiting, it seems just a matter of time before they win this battle in a never-ending war.
For the lions, who are all well fed, this “loss” won’t matter. For the hyenas, let’s hope there was enough meat left over to make all the effort worthwhile.