The Circle of Life: Lions Clash with Hyenas
on Jan 21, 2025In the wild, the interactions between predators often reveal the intricate dance of survival that characterises life in the animal kingdom. Among the most fascinating, yet brutal relationships are those between lions and hyenas. Both apex predators, the confrontations between these two species can be fierce, dramatic, and at times, lethal.
Lions and hyenas have coexisted in the African savannas for millennia, but their relationship is not one of mutual respect. Typically, lions are considered the kings of the jungle, known for their strength, pride structure, and hunting prowess. Hyenas, often seen as scavengers, are skilled hunters themselves and live in tight-knit clans.
The rivalry stems from competition for resources - primarily prey. Both species often hunt the same animals, such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. However, when food is scarce, their rivalry intensifies. Hyenas are known for their intelligence and teamwork, which can sometimes allow them to outmanoeuvre lions. Nevertheless, when lions do engage, the outcome can be lethal.
It was a quiet day out on safari. The morning temperature quickly rose above 30°C and many animals took to the shade to hide from the soaring heat.
Not far from us, we noticed vultures circling overhead. Initially, we thought they were simply riding the thermals to conserve energy while scanning the landscape for food. However, to our surprise, they suddenly plunged toward an open area nearby. We weren’t the only ones drawn to where the vultures had landed - predators like lions and hyenas, always alert for an opportunity, quickly followed suit.
Lions are territorial animals. They will protect their territories from other lions or be it other predators, especially hyenas who venture too close to where they feed. Protecting their turf ensures they maintain access to food sources.
The timing was on our side as we observed a male lion feeding on something, which we could not see exactly but a few seconds later the whole pride arrived, with cubs. and the females were rushing to investigate what was going on. Hyenas on the other hand were arriving, focusing on where the vultures were landing, not knowing that their rivals - the lions - were already taking over the carcass.
In times of scarcity, lions may turn on hyenas, either to eliminate competition or to assert their dominance. Without warning, the male lion charged at an unsuspecting hyena and seized it mercilessly. The hyena clan, outnumbered by the lions, had little chance. As the others fled, one unfortunate hyena was left to face its fate alone.
Young lions often observe their elders. When a lion kills a hyena, it sends a message to junior members of the pride about dominance and the harsh realities of their social life in the natural environment. All the cubs watched as this was going on and the females joined at the end. Cubs took turns to check if the hyena was making any movements or if it was dead, aggressively biting the hyena from all angles.
Lions killing hyenas unfold the raw and often harsh realities of life in the wild. It serves as a reminder of nature’s brutality, but also its beauty - each species playing a role in the larger tapestry of life. Understanding these dynamics not only enriches our knowledge of wildlife but also highlights the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats for future generations.
Blog by Ronald Mutero (Selati Camp Ranger)
