The relationship between hyenas and lions has always been a hot topic in zoological studies. Both hyenas and lions inhabit the African continent, and both are carnivorous species. In fact, their relationship is incredibly tense.
The Relationship Between Hyenas and Lions
Both spotted hyenas and lions are social animals that can hunt large prey through division of labor and cooperation. Their habitats completely overlap, and their behaviors share many similarities, leading to frequent conflicts between the two. A pride of lions typically consists of one to three males and several females, while hyena clans are female-dominated populations.
Hyenas can be described as animals with “dog-like” bodies and “cat-like” anatomy, yet they are truly unique creatures. Hyenas belong to a distinct family within the order Carnivora, which contains four extant species: spotted hyena, brown hyena, aardwolf, and striped hyena.
In addition, compared to lions, hyenas are smaller in size but more numerous. Lions are the largest cats in Africa and are often referred to as the “big brothers” of the continent, while spotted hyenas are dubbed the “second brothers” of Africa. Moreover, both species are in a competitive relationship.
Spotted hyenas are considered capable of confronting lions. They can run very fast, with a maximum speed of 60 km/h, comparable to that of lions, and they can even chase lions across the savanna.
After tigers, lions are the second largest cats in the world. Male lions typically weigh around 180 kg, while female lions average about 130 kg. The heaviest lion on record weighed up to 375 kg. They usually inhabit savannas and grasslands rather than dense forests.
Additionally, spotted hyenas exhibit a daring spirit and high cooperation. They can form strong groups to collectively fend off lion attacks. Like lions, spotted hyenas typically rest during the day and hunt at night, which leads to competition for prey between the two.
The relationship between spotted hyenas and lions is quite complex. Although these two species often attack each other, they are also capable of coexisting. Scientists have observed that in some regions, spotted hyenas and lions can live peacefully without interfering in each other’s lives.
Lions exhibit distinct social behavior compared to other feline species, living in prides. Lionesses often hunt together, primarily targeting large ungulates.
Why Do Lions Dislike Spotted Hyenas?
Spotted hyenas and lions play different ecological roles on the African savanna; however, their prey targets are quite similar. Lions are apex predators, primarily hunting large and medium-sized animals like wildebeest, zebras, and buffalo. Coincidentally, these animals are also the main prey for spotted hyenas, leading to frequent conflicts between the two.
An ecological niche refers to the status and role of a species in an ecosystem, including its food, habitat, and lifestyle. Lions and spotted hyenas have similar niches in the savanna ecosystem.
Hyenas can hunt on their own, but they often follow lions and leopards to scavenge their kills.
Lions are “choosy” animals that require a lot of meat to meet their daily nutritional needs, and spotted hyenas also have similar requirements. However, if their hunts fail, they will resort to scavenging the remains of other animals.
In overlapping territories where prey is limited, conflicts between the two become more acute, as hyenas will seek out and consume the leftovers of others. Furthermore, they often form groups to specialize in stealing lions’ kills.
To truly understand the deep-seated animosity between these two species, we can refer to the film “The Lion King.” Documentation from 1999 recorded intense battles between lion and hyena populations in Ethiopia that lasted for two weeks, resulting in bloody confrontations.
Lions are social animals that typically appear in prides, hunting large prey through division of labor and cooperation. Spotted hyenas also hunt in groups and are highly cooperative hunters. Hyena groups often consist of dozens of individuals, working closely together and employing tactical cooperation to hunt.
This effective method of cooperation provides spotted hyenas with a significant advantage, making them one of the most aggressive predators among carnivores.
Once a spotted hyena is located, the pride of lions will undoubtedly rely on their size and strength advantage to kill it.
According to National Geographic, lions and hyenas are predator species that often overlap in habitat as well as in the prey they hunt. This leads to frequent confrontations in territorial and food disputes.
When the two sides clash, lions usually hold the upper hand due to the clear physiological differences between spotted hyenas and lions. Lions are powerful large cats with sharp claws and teeth that can easily repel other predators.
On the other hand, spotted hyenas are slightly smaller and less powerful than lions, but they have unique hunting skills and strong bite force, allowing them to potentially kill a lion in a short time.
Experts suggest that in a one-on-one confrontation, a hyena would certainly not be a match for a lion. Typically, it takes three hyenas to bring down one lion. Lions are three to four times larger than hyenas, but hyena clans know how to employ tactics to surround and attack lions. A clan of hyenas can prevail and kill a lion when one member of the clan is attacked, thanks to their numbers.
