From Lions and Hyenas

Lions and Hyenas … two iconic African predators just gifted me with a wonderful start into the weekend!

Both species are social animals, share the same habitat, territory and prey, but definitely not their reputation.

While lions are mostly respected for their strength, courage, pride, and authority, hyenas have more of a negative image of being ugly, stinky, scavenging thieves. Interesting enough that the hyenas´ success rate in hunting is not to be underestimated but equal if not higher than the one of the lions. They steal prey whenever possible, that is true, but so do the lions and confrontations over prey and territory often end in vicious and aggressive fights.

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This time, nobody was hurt (at least not as long as I was present). But what happened?

A pride of young lions was hanging around close to the road and I parked the car in a good viewing position. I counted about eight lions, most of them doing what they do best: resting.

With the setting sun it also cooled down and the lions became more active, started grooming, went to the toilet (no joke!) and wandered around. Especially one of the lionesses seemed to see something interesting and when I followed her gaze, I saw a couple of hyenas approaching.

One stood right on the road and stared back to the lioness.

That was going to be interesting 😊

Soon after, the lioness slowly got up and ambled in the hyenas direction, pretending disinterest and as if this was just the direction she anyway wanted to go.

At that point, I made out four hyenas. 4:1 is a ratio that could be threatening for a single lion as hyenas are indeed smaller but weaponed with sharp and strong teeth that they do not hesitate to use. In this case the other lions were still around to come for help if necessary so I guess she felt safe.

It was fantastic to see how the lioness approached them in her confident attitude as if she was sure that nothing could happen to her. The hyenas on the other hand observed her suspiciously and alerted but did not seem to be too worried either.

The lioness settled right in front of the hyena and acted more like an innocent bystander. But then she made her chase! A little one 😊

To me, it did not seem to be a serious dispute, more like a friendly warning or a demonstration of her power. Or maybe simply wanted to exercise a bit 🐾

I wonder what happens later …

Good night,
Sininho