Some predators will engage in kleptoparasitism in order to secure themselves a meal, which is the act of stealing food from other predators rather than hunting for themselves.
The usual culprit for this behavior is hyenas, and as these lions sought to keep their catch safe from a trespassing crocodile, there were hyenas in the area, keeping a careful eye on proceedings.
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Hyenas aren’t the only opportunists in the bushveld; a crocodile, a leopard that was in the area, and lions themselves will have their instincts triggered when opportunity arrives.
This footage was captured by Annette, who was on the H4-1 near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park at the time.
A Very Bold Reptile
The watchful lionesses did little to deter the crocodile, which marched confidently toward the impala carcass.
When one of the lions got close to its face, the croc opened its mouth to show off its sharp teeth, but it didn’t slow its pace at all and continued its advance. The lioness made the smart decision to avoid the croc’s mouth, and two of them watched as it moved resolutely towards the food.
Vigilant Lionesses
The lionesses didn’t seem sure how to respond to the crocodile. If it were an obvious threat, then they would have either evacuated the area or fought back, but it was just walking.
They escorted it on its journey without being aware that it was heading towards the impala they’d stashed nearby. While crocodiles are dangerous predators, their hunting tactics typically rely on ambushing prey on the water’s edge.
While this prey might be a lion cub, this is rare, just as it is rare for lions to prey on crocodiles. These two apex predators typically leave each other to their own affairs.
Contingencies For Competitors
There wasn’t much left of the impala carcass by the time the crocodile reached it, but the lionesses still dragged the carcass to ensure that what was left would remain theirs.
It’s usually leopards that go out of their way to store their captured prey in areas that other predators will struggle to reach them, like in trees, for example.
Lions typically rely on their strength and numbers to defend kills, and they’re often able to fight off any hyenas, wild dogs, or any other predator that might come sniffing around.
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Quite The Audience
It’s a good thing for the lions that they’re able to command this respect from competing predators, as the crocodile wasn’t the only one scoping out the possibility of a theft.
Spotted hyenas were lurking in the trees at the side of the road, no doubt looking for a break in the lion’s vigilance that would allow them the opportunity to steal a bite of the impala.
A leopard was also caught on camera in the vicinity, potentially drawn by the sounds of fighting and likely just checking to ensure there wasn’t a fresh kill that could be taken.
The presence of all of these animals shows how difficult competition can be in the Kruger. All of these predators have to keep a constant eye over their shoulders to ensure they’re not about to have their food stolen from their mouths.