Spotted hyenas share many traits. Both species are intelligent, social, and look out for their kin. However, as competing predators, they have little tolerance for one another.
Daniel Bearham sent this interesting footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action in South Africa’s Manyeleti Nature Reserve.
Lone hyena
As we join Daniel at the sighting, we see a lone spotted hyena. This species is found in protected areas across East and southern Africa.
Widely regarded as scavengers, they are, in fact, competent apex predators. They live in large social groups called clans.
Den guardian
Suddenly, the hyena comes down the slope and makes its way to a hole in the embankment. Hyenas routinely use the burrows of other creatures as dens for their cubs.
Assuming that there are cubs hidden in the burrow, we conclude that this individual has been left to guard them.
And it is just as well. Moments later, a pack of African wild dogs arrives on the scene.
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Taking no chances
Heavily outnumbered, the hyena has no choice but to stand its ground. We do note, however, that the dogs appear to be sub-adults.
Nonetheless, the hyena is taking no chances. After all, the pups inside the den are completely defenceless.
Cleverly, the hyena backs its hindquarters into the hole. Consequently, the dogs faced with some of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom.
Stalemate ensues
With the hyena refusing to abandon its post, a stalemate ensues. Wisely, the dogs stay well clear of their rivals’ jaws.
Their frustration, however, is evident when two of the dogs start taking it out on each other. This is known as displacement behaviour.
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Backup arrives
Suddenly, the dogs scatter. A few moments later, a second hyena joins its clanmate at the burrow entrance, thereby explaining the dogs’ sudden dispersal.
Now, contending with two pairs of jaws, we wonder how the dogs will adapt their strategy. Will they give up or try a different approach?
Changing strategies
With the front approach more heavily guarded, the dogs reposition themselves behind the den entrance. From this position, it is more difficult for the hyenas to get at them.
Subsequently, they try nipping at the exposed backs of the hyenas.
However, the hyenas show their own intelligence when one turns to face them, while the other defends the front.
As things stand, it is unlikely the dogs will prevail. Despite their nips and continuous high-pitched twittering, the hyenas are resolute in their defence.
While the video doesn’t show the outcome, it does illustrate the competition that exists between Africa’s apex predators. With access to resources at stake, not even the young are innocent.
