Hyenas are a species that typically live in large packs, enhancing their ability to defend themselves. They are very aggressive and ready to fight to protect their food and territory.
Africa, a vast continent with rich biodiversity, is home to many large herbivores and countless fierce predators. Among them, the spotted hyena stands out not only for its aggressive nature and unique hunting skills but also as a phenomenon full of mystery. While it may not be the strongest predator, the fact remains that very few species dare to attack the spotted hyena, and notably, they are rarely preyed upon by others. So, what makes the spotted hyena such a formidable opponent?
While not the strongest predator, few other species dare to attack the spotted hyena.
What Kind of Animal is the Spotted Hyena?
Although often associated with the dog family by the name “hyena,” the spotted hyena belongs to a completely different family of animals. They belong to the Hyaenidae family, which includes only three surviving species: the spotted hyena, the brown hyena, and the aardwolf. Among these, the spotted hyena is the largest and most aggressive, earning the title of “the brother of the African savannah” due to its formidable hunting and fighting abilities.
The weight of the spotted hyena ranges from 40 to 86 kg, with females typically larger and stronger than males. Interestingly, the sex of the spotted hyena is very difficult to distinguish as females have genitalia that resembles that of males. This has led scientists to mistakenly believe for a long time that this species was hermaphroditic.
However, unlike many other predatory animals, the spotted hyena does not possess outstanding physical strength. Their body structure, with longer forelegs than hind legs, makes them appear bulky and unbalanced. When running, the spotted hyena’s head wobbles, making it more challenging to closely pursue prey and maintain speed. This makes them less effective hunters compared to lions or leopards.
The weight of the spotted hyena ranges from 40 to 86 kg.
Hunting Strategies – Intelligence and Team Spirit
Despite lacking superior physical strength, the spotted hyena has risen to become one of the most feared predators thanks to its excellent teamwork. They not only hunt in packs but also develop highly cunning hunting tactics, notably a skill referred to as “anal biting.”
This skill may sound strange but is extremely effective and brutal. Spotted hyenas often attack the anus of their prey – a sensitive and vulnerable area. When bitten in this location, the prey faces the risk of internal organ damage or being pulled out, leading to exhaustion. Even powerful species like lions must be cautious of this skill, while weaker species like leopards often choose to flee when confronted by a pack of spotted hyenas.
The teamwork of spotted hyenas is also a crucial factor in their success. When attacking prey, they will surround and coordinate seamlessly. One or two hyenas will draw the prey’s attention from the front, while others will approach from the back to attack. This strategy is repeated until the prey is exhausted and no longer capable of resistance.
The teamwork of spotted hyenas is also a crucial factor in their success.
The True Enemies of Spotted Hyenas
Although the spotted hyena is a dangerous predator, there are still stronger animals that can threaten their existence. Among these, lions are their greatest enemies. Lions not only possess superior strength but are also highly social big cats, often hunting in packs and easily overpowering spotted hyenas.
However, spotted hyenas have the advantage of numbers. When faced with a large pack of hyenas, even lions must be cautious. Typically, only old and weak lions are vulnerable to attacks from hyena packs. Conversely, strong lions can easily take down spotted hyenas. Notably, male lions often target the dominant female hyenas to disrupt the pack’s organization, weakening their fighting ability.
Spotted hyenas often attack the anus of their prey.
Why Don’t Lions Eat Spotted Hyenas?
Even though lions can kill spotted hyenas, they rarely eat this species. This is because spotted hyenas play the role of scavengers, often consuming decaying animal carcasses in nature. This makes the meat of spotted hyenas carry an unpleasant odor and unsuitable for lions’ taste. Furthermore, the risk involved in hunting spotted hyenas is quite high. Any injury to a lion’s body, no matter how small, can become serious under the scorching heat of the savannah, forcing lions to pay a heavy price just for a few bites of meat.
Instead, lions typically choose to hunt herbivores like buffalo or wildebeests – animals that provide more meat and are safer compared to attacking spotted hyenas.
Lions are the greatest enemies of spotted hyenas.
Spotted hyenas, though not the strongest predators, possess intelligence, teamwork, and sophisticated hunting strategies to survive and thrive in the African savannah. With their brutal attack capabilities and tight organization, spotted hyenas have become one of the most fearsome carnivores, and simultaneously, a rival that many other species must respect.
However, spotted hyenas also face great enemies like lions, and these threats have shaped the natural ecological balance in the vast savannah. The competitive relationships among predator species on the African savannah vividly illustrate the harsh survival rules of nature, where each species must find its own way to survive and protect its position in the food chain.
