Being out in the field day and night at Londolozi gives you a direct look at the constant shifts within the ecosystem. Lately, there has been a very clear change in the air during game drives. Whether we’re tracking in the early morning or returning to camp after dark, we have definitely felt an increase in hyena numbers across the reserve. It might be a relatively small increase in the broader scheme of things, but it is an increase nonetheless, and the impact is certainly noticeable.
In the wild, there is a direct relationship between the presence of territorial male lions and the local hyena population. Dominant male lion coalitions act as a primary regulatory force, keeping hyena numbers and their confidence in check through constant territorial patrolling and direct competition. However, these dynamics are forever changing. At Londolozi, we recently moved through a significant transition in our dominant lion population that provided a uniq
For a long time, the Ndzenga males were the dominant force in the area. As their reign naturally came to an end, it left an open territory and a temporary lull in dominant male lion pressure. While the Gijima males have since arrived and firmly established themselves, asserting a massive presence across the heart of Londolozi, it was during that specific transitional period between the two coalitions that the hyenas took their chance.
In that gap, without the presence of a dominant lion coalition, the hyena clans grew in confidence. We started seeing them more frequently and in larger groups, moving more boldly through areas they previously avoided. This behaviour comes from a highly intelligent and social species capitalising on a shift in the hierarchy. Hyenas are an integral part of this ecosystem, and their ability to adapt to the absence of lions is a testament to their success as apex predators.
However, this increase in hyena density and confidence has created a very real challenge for our leopards. Leopards are solitary and rely entirely on stealth to protect their kills. With more hyenas on the landscape and their increased boldness, leopard kills are stolen on a more regular basis. Hyenas are experts at monitoring leopard movements, and with more of them patrolling the bush, a leopard has a much smaller window to feed or hoist its kill into a tree.
This pressure is most significant for mother leopards raising cubs. A mother needs a consistent supply of food to sustain herself and her young. When a kill is stolen by a hyena, she is forced to hunt again almost immediately to make up for the lost energy. This means more time away from her cubs and, in turn, a greater risk that those cubs will fall prey to predation. It is a tough cycle that makes the already difficult task of raising a litter even riskier.
Things are always shifting here at Londolozi, and it is exactly these changes that keep us so engaged as rangers. Watching the transition from the Ndzenga males to the Gijima males, and seeing how that ripple effect allowed the hyena population to find a foothold, is a reminder of how interconnected everything is. The bushveld is never static, and documenting these real-time adjustments in the hierarchy is what makes being out here every single day so rewarding.
Hi Patrick, aren’t the Plain Camp males also in the area? Both the Gjima males and the Plain Camp males should be able to take control on hyenas overpopulation. There are several reasons for lions being the umbrella species and predators at the top. One is this, to keep control of a competitor. There is also the Nkumati coalition… and the Styx male on the road, even if he’s alone he can overpower a hyena matriarch. This is a great problem for leopards, especially mothers are having a heavy pressure on them…
Yesterday after reading about the Xinkova female, I was thinking of the Plaque Rock female. She was a gorgeous leopardess, a favourite of mine. Hyenas combined to lions pressing on leopards are too much…
So interesting! Never thought about these transitions but makes sense! Hoping there will be an even balance soon for all involved!
Whilst I understand the dynamics of the hyena population and how it rises and falls depending on the lion prides and coalitions, as well as other factors, it is disturbing to know that their increased population potentially will have a detrimental effect on the leopard dynamics. Actually, not only are the leopards in danger, but the cheetah as well. Intellectually I understand how the hyenas survive and thrive and why they are a necessary species, but I will still defend the leopard’s right to food over the hyenas.
Nature abhors a vacuum. As concerned as I am about the leopards, I feel more for the cheetah population. They’re even more vulnerable. But nature balances itself, sometimes with and sometimes without our intervention. Thanks Patrick. It’s good to hear what’s going on with the other species.
I was also quite surprised when I arrived 10 days ago, to see so many hyenas everywhere.
A hard life for all these leopard mums who have to leave their cubs for long periods of hunting to the mercy of these hyenas.
So, it‘s good that at least people are considerate and take care not too make this dangerous situation worse.
Hi Patrick, living in the bush seems terribly vulnerable especially for the leopards. I always get so upset when a hyena comes and steals the leopard kills. Hope the lion especially the Plain Camps males and Gijima males should be able to control the hyena population. I hope it does materialize soon because the leopards are suffering especially the Mothers with small cubs.
Hi Patrick, thanks for that interesting update. I ope the nature will manage it and the leopards and cheetahs wont become to much trouble.