Preditor Hierachy

Over the course of three days we periodically returned to a carcus of a elephant that had died of natural causes on the banks of the Chobe river. The first time we approached the carcus we were fortunate to encounter a female leopard with her sub adult cub feasting on the elephant. While watching the interaction between mother and cub we watching with mixed emotions as a pack of 3 hyena approached the carcus. Without hesitation or trepidation the hyenas charged and snapped their powerful jaws at the leopard who seemed reluctant to give up her and her cubs easy meal. However out numbered and in no position to fight the leopard and her cub retreated towards the brush and disappear. THe second day we returned to the carcuss to see if any other preditors or savengers had taken to the carcus. We came upon a pride of lions including a large male with a impressive mane. While watching them feed on the carcus snd explaining to my guests about how lions are opportunistic hunters and are know to scavenge I noticed a pack of 8 hyenas approching from behind the carcus. I pointed out the approaching hyenas to the guests and explained how we may see some of the most ferious interaction between lion and hyena yet. FIve lions and 8 hyena would this be a battle of strength and determination. The lions seemed aware of the hyena but strangely did not react to their presnce. They continued to feed and allowed the hyenas to get closer. When the hyenas were amlost next to the carcuss and tentatively sniffing the decaying flesh the male lion in a burst of strength and speed prounced on the closest hyenabiting hard into the middle of its back. The other hyenas scattered in all directions while the injured hyena struggled to stand. Realisation hit me and my guests at the same time the hyenas back was broken. Defensless the hyena lay next to the carcuss in obvious pain while the male lion continued to feed. The lionesses standing watchig the approach and retreat of the remaining hyenas. Finally having to leave their comrade to his fate the hyenas started walking away every once in a while looking back. For two day the lions fed on the carcus without any further disturbance. The carcus of the hyena close by as a reminder to any other scavenger what would happen if they tried to steal the lions meal. Meier Morija - Guide - Chobe Under Canvas

Posted: Chobe Under Canvas by Chobe Under Canvas Botswana, Date: 31 July 2009