The enduring hostility between lions and hyenas was dramatically highlighted in South Africa recently when a pack of hyenas confronted a lone lioness.
According to South African website Animal Sighting, a weekly feature showcasing wildlife videos, the scavengers launched a fierce attack on the lioness. The video captured hyenas overwhelming and biting the solitary lioness in a brutal mob assault.
This incident was documented by wildlife professional Benji Solms at Serondella Safari Lodge and shared on the Latest Sightings – Kruger YouTube page.
Historically, lions and hyenas have been antagonistic towards each other. Lions often assert their dominance, while hyenas exploit opportunities when they arise. Encounters between the two species are frequently violent and bloody.
Both species are struggling in a challenging ecosystem. Lion populations are declining, and hyenas are also facing difficulties in the harsh environment. Despite these challenges, the hyena is listed as being of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its widespread range and estimated population of 27,000 to 47,000 individuals. However, the species is experiencing declines outside protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching.
Despite the population decline of both species, their rivalry endures in a relentless battle for survival, where only the fittest and smartest prevail.
Picture credit:GettyImage
