This Week at Angama #349

Lions and hyenas have a long-standing rivalry over food and territory, often resulting in conflict. Their overlapping patrols lead to frequent confrontations, particularly during scavenging or hunting. Hyenas' hierarchical society dictates that higher-ranking individuals eat first, leaving the rest to scavenge whatever remains. On one early morning drive just below the escarpment from Angama, we witnessed a clan of hyenas devouring a zebra, with the top-ranked members claiming the best parts while the rest gnawed on bones.

Their heightened awareness was clear as the hyenas tore into the zebra carcass. Every few moments, they would lift their heads, scanning for any sign of approaching lions. The commotion they created was bound to attract attention. Suddenly, the Owino male appeared, bold and commanding. However, a lone buffalo charged in before the lion could truly assert his dominance. The hyenas scattered, retreating from their prize except for one young hyena who continued pulling the remains — a mistake that would prove costly.

The Nomad male was not far behind the Owino male, charging aggressively. Both lions moved with intent, determined to teach the hyenas a harsh lesson. The young, inexperienced hyena, too stubborn and slow to flee, was swiftly killed. After the quick takedown, the two lions continued their pursuit, ensuring no hyenas remained in their territory, firmly reinforcing their dominance.

Lions will kill hyenas to reduce competition, especially if they are outnumbered, or their cubs are threatened. Hyenas, in turn, will harass lion prides and sometimes kill unprotected cubs, adding a layer to the rivalry. Their ancient competition, shaped by shared environments and overlapping roles as predators, is a key aspect of the dynamic ecosystems they inhabit.

After feasting on a zebra last week, the Angama lioness was spotted again, this time feeding on a giraffe alongside her two juveniles. Bringing down such a large animal is a remarkable achievement, but it usually requires the combined efforts of a large pride, with strong males in particular, to subdue the prey. This leads us to believe that the Nomad and Owino males helped achieve this great triumph, leaving the remaining meat for her and her cubs. With no hyenas around after their deadly encounter days earlier, the lions feasted undisturbed for several days. They enjoyed their kill until the meat became too rotten for them to eat.

The eland is one of Africa's largest antelopes, and big males can weigh up to 900kg, standing six feet tall at the shoulder. If you get close to a male, you'll notice a distinctive clicking sound as they walk. This is thought to come from their tendons snapping over their joints, particularly in the knees or ankles. The sound is more pronounced in larger, older males and may signal dominance or help females locate males during mating season.

Reports indicate that we are witnessing the tail end of the Migration, with only small groups still visible near the border. On a recent drive through the park, we saw a dazzle of zebras that aren't part of the Migration as these herds constantly move between the Triangle and Mara North Conservancy. We've also noticed an influx of baby zebras in the Triangle. Zebra birthing season tends to coincide with wet seasons when food and water are more plentiful to support the mothers and their young.

This week, we were delighted to find Risasi's boy resting in the shade of a tree. As the lone survivor of a litter of four, spotting him as he moves between the Northern Serengeti and the Triangle is always a joy and a testament to his resilience despite the odds young cheetahs face in the wild. —Robert Sayialel

Along with their impressive size and formidable presence, elephants are among the most intelligent and emotional creatures on Earth. Their capacity for emotional expression is well documented, as they exhibit behaviours associated with joy, grief, and mourning. While on a drive with a guest, Angama Guide Salash experienced this powerful display of emotion firsthand in the wilds of Amboseli National Park.

As they approached a fluttering scene, they saw an elephant's remains lying exposed under scavengers' watchful eyes. Hyenas cackled in the distance, vultures circled above, and marabou storks picked at the carcass, all participating in nature’s grim but necessary cycle. Surprisingly, there were no lions or large predators nearby, a sign that the elephant’s death may not have been caused by an attack but by age or illness. 

As they observed the unfolding scavenger hierarchy at work, something extraordinary happened. A massive bull elephant, likely a member of the deceased’s herd or perhaps one who shared a connection with the fallen, came charging into the scene. His presence was thunderous, barrelling forward with ears flapping and a deafening trumpet, with fierce determination, scattering the hyenas, vultures, and storks. Time and time again, he charged at the scavengers, unwilling to let them defile the body of his brethren. His movements were filled with fury and sorrow, and his deep, rumbling calls echoed across the plains like a voice in mourning reverberating through the air.

After driving the scavengers away, the bull stood over the carcass, breathing heavily, guarding it in solemn silence. His sense of grief was palpable. As if he were standing vigil, he stood for an hour, protecting the body from further disturbance. Salash and the guest sat in awe, witnessing a profound moment in the life of elephants — a reminder of these animals' deep empathy.

Elephants possess an extraordinary memory, but their communication is equally fascinating. Every heavy step sends vibrations through the earth, and silent messages are passed to others miles away. This seismic communication helps herd members stay connected, alerting them to nearby danger or signalling the direction of water sources.

As they traverse the cracked earth of the dry lake, their feet do more than carry them forward — they carve pathways into the ground, leaving behind trails that other animals follow. Over time, these trails become vital corridors, allowing zebra, wildebeest, and antelope to find water, shade, and food. These elephant-made highways are a testament to the interconnectedness of life in Amboseli, where even the smallest actions of a creature as mighty as an elephant can sustain entire ecosystems. 

The ability to hover is a unique adaptation among kingfishers, allowing them to hunt in areas without needing to perch. The pied kingfisher has evolved specialised techniques to use this ability more effectively, hovering higher for longer periods. It uses keen eyesight from its vantage point above the stream to spot tadpoles beneath the water. We watched as one locked onto its target; the bird's agility came into play. It dove straight down with swift and deadly accuracy, slicing through the water like an arrow. In one fluid motion, it emerged with a tadpole clutched tightly in its beak, ready to enjoy its spoils.

Though equipped with wings, the ostrich is a bird that never takes to the skies. Rather than serving for flight, these heavy wings are adapted for balance and courtship displays. Males fan them in elaborate dances during mating season to attract females. Though impressive in their own right, evolution has given the ostrich something even more extraordinary — powerful legs built for speed and strength, capable of carrying the ostrich at incredible speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. Each step is a long stride, and their legs are so strong that one well-placed kick can be fatal to a predator. Ground-bound but far from defenceless, the ostrich’s legs make it the fastest two-legged animal, perfectly adapted to life on the open plains.

We were fortunate to come across Male 263 during a night drive, his powerful roars booming across the Sanctuary. He was completely alone, and there was no sign of Osunash nearby, which piqued our curiosity. We stayed with him for a while, hoping to see if he would make a move. As he shifted to find a more comfortable position, we noticed a limp in his front leg — likely the result of a serious fight. Whether it was a clash with Osunash or the females, it was clear that something significant had happened. The females and Osunash haven't been spotted for the entire week, leading us to believe that they may have temporarily split up, each staking out separate parts of the Sanctuary. 

At first glance, elephants' feeding habits can seem destructive. They push over trees and strip bark from trunks. However, this behaviour opens up the dense bush, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and encouraging new plant growth. Giraffes, on the other hand, operate on a higher level. With their long necks, they eat the leaves and branches that are out of reach for most herbivores. By feeding on the upper canopy of acacia trees, giraffes help to prune the vegetation, promoting new growth and ensuring the trees don't grow unchecked. —Japheth Supeyo