Are hyenas apex predators11/22/2023 ![]() The pendulum of risk versus reward is in constant motion as leopards range farther and farther away. Also, their lairs can’t be too close to water sources, as other predators would stand a greater chance of discovering their young. They tend to use hills or outcrops with lots of foliage. ![]() As solitary creatures, leopards must hide their cubs in lairs when they venture off to hunt. ![]() The dry season puts pressure on mothers from all three species. Otherwise, East Africa’s top three hunters will scavenge for food, filling their bellies with putrid meat when needs must. These encounters are especially dangerous during the dry season, when animals will bare teeth at odds they’d never accept in times of plenty. For their part, leopards have been known to pluck owls from trees and pillage muddy riverbeds for exposed catfish.Īll three will chase other predators away from kills. The region’s other apex predators are equally opportunistic. This stands them in good stead during the ‘long thirst’. Though lions typically hunt medium-to-large-sized mammals, they are, in fact, opportunistic and will prey on anything from wild mice to elephants. Speed, stealth, intimidation or naked savagery is the price of admission. They must contend with each other as well as hippos and elephants, which can easily crush them. Indeed, there are few places at these waterholes and competition is fierce. This adaptation is invaluable during the dry season.īut, when they must visit one of the region’s permanent water sources, their status as apex predators won’t guarantee them a drink. Lions and spotted hyenas can survive for five days. A Drop to DrinkĪll three predators can last for lengthy periods without water, getting the moisture they need from their prey. Waterholes evaporate and herds migrate in search of grazing. In the dry season, lush hunting grounds transform into a barren a world of dusty turf and sun-bleached bones. They need both to survive when the rains desert them.We look at how they manage during East Africa’s most challenging period. Only skill and hardiness will carry them through, especially when the dry season begins.Īs the region’s apex predators, lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas have these two qualities in abundance. By the same token, these hunters expect no favours from other animals. Prey is prey, whether it’s young, wounded or simply unlucky. East Africa’s predators have no time for pity.
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