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Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 6 This image is part 6 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> This scene shows a major steal by the Hyenas (3rd one on the left). The lion was first distracted on the right, after which the left group took their chances. As the lion is angrily facing the thieves, meanwhile Jackals go for a smaller steal on the right. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 6

This image is part 6 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.

This scene shows a major steal by the Hyenas (3rd one on the left). The lion was first distracted on the right, after which the left group took their chances. As the lion is angrily facing the thieves, meanwhile Jackals go for a smaller steal on the right.

    comments (3)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Full series, in the correct order:

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 1 Ngorongoro crater is a closed ecosystem with a vast flat landscape. The flatness creates a stressful dynamic between herbivores and carnivores. However, we were "lucky" to also see the dynamics between carnivores. Whilst Lions may be on top of the food chain, their kills are very easily detected in the Ngorongoro crater. As a result, these kings have to deal with thieves all the time. <br /> <br /> This photo shows the start of the attempt. Three lions, one standing, are feeding on a fresh kill. The first jackals appear to test and distract the lions away from the prey. Occasionally the lion attacks, but they keep coming back. In the foreground are Hyenas laying down. They're waiting for more troops to arrive. More soon... Africa,Geotagged,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 2 This image is part 2 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> On this photo, a Jackal (on the far right) has managed to steal a small part of the lion's kill. This brings a lot of excitement. The Hyenas are awakened and grouping. The lion's will is broken, everyone can smell the opportunity. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 3 This image is part 3 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> In this scene, right after a small steal by a Jackal, our mixed group of thieving Hyenas and Jackals suddenly become bold and courageous. They're closing in on the lion, distracting it from multiple angles and in growing numbers. You can almost see the lion getting desperate. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 4 This image is part 4 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> In this scene, we see a Hyena making a bold in-your-face attempt to steal, with the lion responding aggressively. These aren't true attacks, they happen numerous times. It's a move to distract, and on the lion's behalf, a move to stand its ground. It can't afford to really follow up on an attack. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 5 This image is part 5 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> This scenes shows the tipping point. Note the 3 angles in which the Hyenas are closing in, with a small Jackal behind the Lion covering the 4th angle. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 6 This image is part 6 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> This scene shows a major steal by the Hyenas (3rd one on the left). The lion was first distracted on the right, after which the left group took their chances. As the lion is angrily facing the thieves, meanwhile Jackals go for a smaller steal on the right. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 7 This image is part 7 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> In this scene, two additional lions come to the rescue, but they're way too late. The major steals have been made. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 8 This image is part 8 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> In this scene, most of the Lion's kill has been stolen by clever Hyenas. However, the battle of the carnivores isn't over. By hierarchy and competition, the steal is now fought for amongst each other. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 9 This image is part 9 of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> In this scene, the Lions are cranky for just having major parts of their kill stolen by Hyenas. Yet they don't even have time to be down, as Jackals remain around for the smaller leftovers. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania

    Battle of the Carnivores in the Ngorongoro crater - 10 This image is part 10 (the last) of a series in which the behavior of carnivores on the Ngorongoro crater floor is captured, in particular the stealing nature of Hyenas and Jackals, with the Lion as the victim.<br /> <br /> This scene shows the other side of the story. We may sympathize for the lion getting their food stolen, yet here we see why Hyenas do what they do. They have a family to feed. The reality is that they do incredibly dangerous "work" for very little meat, which then still has to be divided amongst a large group. You'll find few Hyenas without scars. Africa,Lion,Ngorongoro,Ngorongoro Crater,Panthera leo,Serengeti area,Tanzania
     Posted 9 years ago, modified 8 years ago
  2. View Claire Hamilton's profile
    Claire Hamilton
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Pretty fantastic Ferdy, mus have been quite incredible to witness such a scene! Posted 9 years ago
    1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
      Ferdy Christant
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Thanks. Yes it was, although I wish we were a little closer to it. Posted 9 years ago

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The Lion

The lion is one of the five big cats in the genus "Panthera" and a member of the family Felidae. The commonly used term African lion collectively denotes the several subspecies found in Africa. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.

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Similar species: Carnivorans
Species identified by Ferdy Christant
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By Ferdy Christant

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Uploaded Nov 27, 2013. Captured Sep 1, 2013 15:39.
country flag of Tanzania Explore Tanzania 1,107 194 0
  • NIKON D800
  • f/5.6
  • 1/500s
  • ISO720
  • 380mm

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